Myrtle Beach in the Path of Encroaching Tornado Watch
Myrtle Beach, S.C. – The Grand Strand and Pee Dee region are bracing for the potential onslaught of Tropical Storm Debby as the National Weather Service issues a tornado watch. The watch, in effect for parts of North Carolina and South Carolina, is valid until the early hours of Wednesday, causing many local communities to initiate precautionary and emergency measures to help mitigate the impending weather conditions.
Intensifying Weather Conditions
Spring Gully in Georgetown County heralded a deluge of 4.62 inches of rainfall by late Tuesday evening. Not far behind, the regions of North Myrtle Beach and certain portions of Conway surpassed the three-inch rainfall mark according to the regional weather service.
Tornado Warning Takes Effect
As of Tuesday evening, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for a string of locations including North Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove, and Nixons Crossroads. The warning was active until 7:15 p.m., with Marion County proceeding to activate its emergency operations center and designated shelters shortly afterwards.
State of Emergency Declared
Horry County officials, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Debby’s impending ravages, declared a state of emergency to facilitate the robustness and effectiveness of the response and clean-up operations. Concurrently, the local government instituted an overnight curfew, with the possibility of extension based on worsening storm conditions. The state of emergency is to remain in effect for a duration of 60 hours, unless the county council determines it can be terminated sooner.
Flight Disruption Expected
Despite the stormy outlook, the officials at Myrtle Beach International Airport expressed their resolve to keep the airport functional. Although several flights have managed to depart throughout the morning, a significant number of incoming flights had been canceled to ensure passenger safety. Travelers are encouraged to verify the latest information on their flight status or to arrange alternative travel through the airline’s official website or mobile app.
Flood Warning Issued Amidst Significant Rainfall
As midday approached, flooding reports from Wachesaw Road in Murrells Inlet began to trickle in. The meteorological service reported that more than 4 inches of rainfall had pummeled much of the region over the past five to six hours. Subsequently, a flash flood warning was issued for Myrtle Beach, Socastee, and Conway, which lasted until late Tuesday afternoon.
Power Outages Grip the Area
With the onset of the tropical storm, power outages became a looming concern for utility companies in the affected regions. More than 2,100 customers reported power losses with multiple outages reported specifically within the Myrtle Beach vicinity. Horry Electric, the local electricity supplier, restored power to nearly all of its affected customers, with larger power disruptions experienced in the Cherry Grove region of North Myrtle Beach.
Localized State of Emergency and Closing Procedures
In addition to the emergency measures implemented, North Myrtle Beach City Council declared an urgent state of emergency in the city to tackle the projected impacts of the storm. Strict restrictions were imposed on beach-side activities with double red flags hoisted on the beach, signaling a complete closure to swimmers due to dangerous surf conditions.
Flood Preparedness and Urgent Evacuation
With potential flood risks on the horizon, the local government announced several locations in Marion County for self-service sand bag stations. Residents are urged to prepare for possible flooding and evacuate low-lying areas until the storm weakens and conditions improve. A state toll-free hotline is available for any storm-related questions or concerns at 1-866-246-0133.
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.
