Hazel

On October 15, 1954, Hurricane Hazel delivered a devastating blow to North Carolina. It was the only category 4 hurricane to hit the state in the 20th century, and by most measures, was the worst.

Hazel carved a broad path of destruction from the Caribbean to Canada, becoming one of the deadliest and costliest storms in the history of our state and nation.

Hazel hit the North Carolina coast on a high lunar tide with winds up to 140 mph. It created an 18-foot storm surge on the state's southeastern beaches. The combination of wind, storm surge and flooding proved deadly, killing 19 people and injuring 200 more. The damage to property by today's standards would be nearly $10 billion.

Produced by the documentary unit of Raleigh-based WRAL-TV/Capitol Broadcasting, Hazel, hosted by Veteran WRAL News anchor Charlie Gaddy, revisits that infamous day with those who survived the storm and those who keep a watchful eye on the skies today.

Click here to visit the official WRAL Hazel Web site.

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