| Description | Hurricane Hugo, which caused approximately $10 billion in damage, had been the costliest hurricane to strike the United States before Andrew three years later in 1992. Hugo was, in some ways, two hurricanes in one. From September 17 through 18, 1989, it passed through the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, leaving $3
billion in damage in its wake. After leaving the islands, Hugo remained over the waters of the Atlantic for over 3 days, gaining in strength and size until it made its assault on the South Carolina coast near Charleston minutes before midnight on September 22. Even after making landfall, Hugo remained a threat and caused damage over 200 miles inland, and its effects were felt beyond Charlotte, North Carolina.
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