Hello, Myrtle Beach Residents!
It looks like we’re in for a bit of a bumpy ride this evening! The National Weather Service (NWS) Wilmington NC has just sent out an alert, and it’s time to brace ourselves for some gusty showers and strong winds.
Weather Alert in Effect
As of 8:17 p.m. on Thursday, the skies over Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas are not looking too fun. There’s a warning in place for areas including Inland Brunswick, Coastal Brunswick, Coastal Horry, Inland Georgetown, Coastal Georgetown, Central Horry, Northern Horry, and Columbus County, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph!
According to Doppler radar, at 8:16 p.m., those gusty showers were seen along a line extending from near Lake Waccamaw to near Hand and on towards Oatland, moving east at a speed of 25 mph. So if you’re planning on being out and about, we really recommend you think twice!
What to Expect?
Residents might notice a few tree limbs coming down or some unsecured items getting tossed around a bit. Not exactly the picturesque beach weather we all love! The locations impacted by this alert include popular spots such as Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Shallotte, Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Pawleys Island, and several others.
The NWS suggests that if you’re outdoors, it would be best to seek shelter inside. It’s not only about your comfort; it’s about safety too!
Driving Precautions
Now, if you’re thinking about hitting the road during these unpredictable conditions, let’s talk about some safety tips. If you happen to encounter flooded roads—please, do yourself a favor and make a U-turn. The currents can be powerful enough to sweep your vehicle away. And let’s be honest, nobody wants to deal with vehicle damage from deep water.
Hydroplaning—What You Need to Know
Ever heard of hydroplaning? It’s a term that many drivers dread and for good reason. This happens when your vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads because water builds up in front of the tires faster than they can push it aside. Result? A scary ride on top of a thin layer of water. It’s a bit like trying to walk on ice—no fun at all!
The most common reasons for hydroplaning are: wet roads, worn-out tires, and driving too fast for the conditions. So, if you find yourself hydroplaning, just remember to stay calm. Here’s what to do:
- Remove your foot from the gas pedal — no sudden moves!
- Steer straight until you regain traction.
- Do not slam on the brakes; this might cause even more sliding.
Keep Safe, Myrtle Beach!
This weather may not be what we signed up for, but by staying informed and prepared, we can all get through the evening safely. Gather the family, grab some hot cocoa, and *hunker down* until this storm passes. Stay inside, keep an eye on the weather, and we’ll see you out there when the sun shines again!
Until then, stay safe and snug, Myrtle Beach!
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.
