Strong Longshore Current Prompts Myrtle Beach Hazards Alert
Published October 18, 2026 at 5:24 am|By Patricio Newton, Staff Reporter
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Swimmers and surfers in Myrtle Beach face a tricky ocean on Sunday, with the National Weather Service warning of a strong current running along the shoreline.
The Wilmington, N.C., forecast office put out the beach hazards statement Saturday at 7:38 p.m. It covers Sunday from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. and takes in Coastal Horry County along with Coastal Georgetown County in South Carolina and Coastal Pender County in North Carolina.
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Forecasters said the water will move hard from north to south. A current like that can carry people sideways into rip currents or toward piers and jetties, and it can knock a wader down and make the trip back to the sand a struggle.
Pender and Georgetown counties also have a moderate rip current risk. Beachgoers are urged to take care near the surf and to ask lifeguards about conditions before going in.
Patricio is a staff reporter for HERE Myrtle Beach covering local news, community stories, and developments across Horry County. Patricio is committed to accurate, community-first journalism.
