Hurricane Fran caused Causation extensive damage in the United States in early September 1996 .

While heading west-northwestward , Fran steadily strengthened Cause_change_of_strength into a hurricane on August 29 , but weakened Cause_change_of_strength back to a tropical storm Catastrophe on the following day .

On August 31 , Fran quickly re-intensified Cause_change_of_strength into a hurricane Catastrophe .

By September 2 , Fran began Process_start to parallel Motion the islands of the Bahamas and slowly curved Motion_directional north-northwestward .

Fran peaked Cause_change_of_position_on_a_scale as a 120 mph ( 195 km/h ) Category 3 hurricane by early on September 5 .

Eventually , Fran curved Motion_directional east-northeastward and transitioned Change into an extratropical cyclone over Ontario early on September 9 .

The outer bands of Fran produced Manufacturing high winds and light Lighting to moderate rainfall in South Carolina .

Overall , Fran was attributed Causation to 27 fatalities and $ 5 billion ( 1996 USD ) in damage Damaging .

Fran is also the most recent hurricane Catastrophe to make Creating landfall in the Carolinas as a major hurricane Catastrophe .

Heavy rainfall flooded Catastrophe low-lying areas and rivers along the storm 's path , including in North Carolina which had previously been affected by hurricanes Bertha and Fran earlier in the year .

Beginning on September 19 , Fran encountered Hostile_encounter strong wind shear , which contributed to further weakening .

By September 20 , Fran dissipated Dispersal well east of the Lesser Antilles .