CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — Hurricane season is here.

Each year, the Lowcountry prepares for the worst but hopes for the best because every season and every storm is different.

Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene brought heavy rain, strong winds, flooding and tornadoes to the Lowcountry in 2024. Those were only two of the 18 named storms. Still, it was the third costliest season on record in the Atlantic, behind only 2017 and 2005. Though it has been 20 years, for some, it feels like it was yesterday. In the Northern Gulf Coast, Hurricane Katrina caused devastation.

“Everything was gone,” Matt Clark said of the scene in 2005. “We pulled into New Orleans and you could see the smoke, you could smell everything burning. I remember it was hot. I can remember that.”

READ MORE | “Just 1% of non-Floridian homeowners hit by Hurricane Helene had flood insurance.”

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THE LOWCOUNTRY AT RISK

But Katrina hasn’t been the only major storm. For the Lowcountry, the name no one can forget is Hugo. Then, for parts of the western Carolinas and Appalachia, 2024 was defined by Hurricane Helene.

As stronger storms hit the Lowcountry as a result of climate change, it is paramount that the region learns to be more resilient, starting with homes and businesses. And one unique research facility in the Midlands is putting buildings to the test when it comes to hurricane-force winds and torrential rain.

Fighting the storm doesn’t stop there.

Residents will have to protect their homes at all costs. That means having the right kind of insurance when the flood water rises.

And for places like the western Carolinas, where Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic flooding and landslides, nearly a year later, people are still trying to get back on their feet.

LOOKING BACK TO KATRINA

It has been 20 years since Hurricane Katrina forever changed parts of the Gulf Coast. Let’s take a look back at how it all unfolded.

A tropical depression first formed on Aug. 23, 2005, over the Bahamas. By Aug. 24, it had become Tropical Storm Katrina. Then, it was a Category 1 Hurricane when it made landfall near Miami. The storm moved across South Florida and into the Gulf, where it rapidly intensified over the warm waters. For a moment, it became a powerful Category 5 storm – setting new records.

On Aug. 29, Katrina, a Category 3 storm at this point, made landfall in Buras, Louisiana. What followed was devastation.

READ MORE | “Two decades later, New Orleans reflects on Katrina’s impact and future preparedness.”

HOME INSURANCE COMES BEFORE THE STORM

Flooding in the Lowcountry is vexing. Residents see it during some high tides, thunderstorms and tropical systems.

In the Lowcountry, there are areas with a higher risk of flooding, wind and hail. And during hurricane season, residents must protect the place their family calls home.

“Charleston County ranks eighth nationally for expected losses from hurricanes,” said Matt Brannon, a data journalist at Insurify.

READ MORE | “Save on rising Lowcountry insurance: protect your home early.”

OUR PETS DURING THE STORM

As locals prepare for storms, pets need to remain top of mind. Any kind of weather can be stressful for some animals. And for those who are pet owners, keeping them safe is a primary responsibility.

With tropical systems, anxiety is high. So the best way to keep pets safe is to have an emergency to-go bag with anything a pet may need.

“Best piece of advice I have for owners is to try and prepare in advance for these situations,” said Dr. Alex MacLean, a medical director at Veterinary Emergency Group ER for pets in Mount Pleasant. “When you’re scrambling, is when you forget important things. So having a go bag that’s ready throughout the season or can at least be prepared in a short period of time is really essential for having your pet safely with you or safely sheltering with you.”

Veterinary Emergency Group ER in Mount Pleasant is preparing for an increase in pets coming through its door during hurricane season. Dr. MacLean says the most common reason for a visit to the emergency room is gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea or loss of appetite from stressful environments. Amid hurricane seasons, it is better to be prepared than wait for a time when pets cannot.

READ MORE | “How fortified roofs may help during hurricane season by keeping water out.”

LOWCOUNTRY HURRICANES MOVING FORWARD

Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Katrina are reminders of how catastrophic storms can be, both along the coast and inland. It has been decades since the Lowcountry had a storm with devastating impacts, with Hurricane Hugo.

During that “big one,” the Ben Sawyer Bridge tipped over, preventing people from getting on and off Sullivan’s Island and the Isle of Palms when the rains passed. Changes came to the area after that, including the building of the IOP Connector. But every storm is different.

Regardless of what the season holds, News 4’s Storm Tracker Weather Team will be here to keep Lowcountry residents safe because the time is now to get ready for a storm. The News 4 team will continue working together to help get everyone through this hurricane season safe and together.

READ MORE | “Western Carolinas reflects on Helene’s impact as it rebuilds nearly one year later.”