Impact of Hurricane Hugo on the South Carolina coastal plain forest

Abstract

The impact of Hurricane Hugo on the Coastal Plain forest is described using data from two experimental forests. The Santee Experimental Forest experienced the full force of the eyewall, sustaining extreme wind damage. On Hobcaw Forest, northeast of the area impacted by the eyewall, major damage was done by salt with some wind damage. The largest and tallest trees of all species were more severely damaged than were smaller trees. Within the area impacted by the eyewall, 89% of the longleaf pine trees, 91% of the loblolly pine trees, and 86% of the bottomland hardwood trees were broken or uprooted. Outside the area of the eyewall, 17% of the longleaf pine, 52% of the loblolly pine and 20% of the bottomland hardwoods were broken or uprooted. Species differences in wind resistance were apparent outside the area affected by the eyewall.

Citation

Hook, Donal D.; Buford, Marilyn A.; Williams, Thomas M. 1991. Impact of Hurricane Hugo on the South Carolina coastal plain forest. Journal of Coastal Research. SI(8): 291-300.