News Summary
This Thursday morning, Myrtle Beach residents confronted an unexpected power outage after a vehicle collided with a utility pole near the Myrtle Beach International Airport. The crash left nearly 27,000 customers without electricity, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area. Emergency crews worked swiftly to restore power, with many residents urged to exercise caution during the blackout. The incident highlights ongoing traffic safety concerns in a busy area. Thankfully, power was largely restored within a few hours, making way for smoother travels ahead.
Myrtle Beach Faces Power Outage Following Vehicle Crash
In a startling turn of events this Thursday morning, residents of Myrtle Beach were awakened to unexpected darkness. A vehicle collided with a utility pole close to the Myrtle Beach International Airport, plunging tens of thousands into a power outage and causing significant traffic disruptions.
Major Incident at the Airport Area
The crash, reported by the South Carolina Department of Transportation, took place around 7:15 a.m. and created a ripple effect felt across Surfside Beach and Socastee. At the peak of the outage, approximately 26,970 customers of Santee Cooper were left without electricity. This unexpected incident certainly had many residents on edge as they tried to navigate their morning routines in the dark.
Traffic Headaches for Morning Commuters
Traffic cameras operated by the SCDOT caught a glimpse of the chaos ensuing on Highway 17 North near Harrelson Boulevard. The crash not only knocked out power but also created significant traffic backups that frustrated many commuters. With traffic lights down across Surfside Beach, local police were on hand, doing their best to direct cars safely through the intersections.
Power Restoration Efforts Underway
Response crews kicked into high gear following the incident. Santee Cooper quickly intervened, switching lines to restore power temporarily to different substations while waiting for the repair team. Thanks to their efforts, power was successfully restored to the majority of affected customers by around 8:40 a.m. Ongoing delays, however, continued to plague the surrounding roads.
Meanwhile, an additional 3,000 customers served by Horry Electric Cooperative faced similar power losses, but thankfully their service was restored a little earlier, at around 8:15 a.m. What started as a normal Thursday transformed into a logistical puzzle for many residents.
A Call for Caution
The incident definitely raises questions about traffic safety in the area surrounding the airport. With increased traffic flow come risks, and it seems that this particular stretch of road might require further scrutiny to prevent future occurrences. Residents are reminded to exercise caution when driving in blackout conditions, and it’s even more crucial to stay informed with local updates during such unexpected events.
Stay Informed and Prepared
For those who experienced disruptions in their morning routines, it’s a good reminder to stay informed. Local news updates are likely to provide ongoing coverage of incidents like this and keep residents abreast of any changes in traffic or power restoration efforts.
In the end, despite the chaos and disruption of the morning’s events, the swift actions of utility crews and law enforcement helped minimize the impact on the community. Here’s hoping for safer travels and smoother mornings ahead for everyone in Myrtle Beach!
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Santee Cooper Users Without Power
- WMBF News: Power Outage in Grand Strand
- WBTW: Nearly 14K Without Power
- The State: Power Outage Update
- MSN: Power Loss in Pawleys Island
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Power Outage
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach Traffic Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Power Outage
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
