News Summary
Myrtle Beach, typically known for its warm climate, has recently been struck by one of the rarest snowstorms in its history, accumulating 5 inches of snow. This unusual weather event, affecting the entire Carolinas, has led to icy road conditions, school closures, and a local state of emergency. As residents adapt to this winter wonderland, safety remains a top priority due to ongoing hazardous travel conditions.
Myrtle Beach Hit Hard by Rare Snowstorm
In a surprising turn of events, Myrtle Beach has recently experienced its fifth snowiest storm on record, with an impressive official total of 5 inches of snow blanketing the area. For a city known for its sunny beaches and warm climate, waking up to a winter wonderland on Tuesday morning was a rare sight!
Snowfall Across the Carolinas
The snowstorm rolled through the Carolinas late Tuesday night, leaving residents with a snowy landscape reminiscent of the North. Some areas reported up to six inches of snow, while Horry and Georgetown counties saw the highest totals. By contrast, regions west of I-95 experienced a lighter dusting, receiving less than two inches.
A Snow-Covered Boardwalk
When folks strolled out on Monday morning, they were greeted by a stunning winter scene where the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk was glistening under the snow. Roads were similarly covered, creating that picturesque but probably inconvenient winter vibe.
Icy Road Conditions
With temperatures dipping below freezing overnight, the melted snow began to refreeze, leading to some treacherous road conditions as the week progressed. By Thursday morning, drivers faced minimal traffic on Highway 17, due to the icy and hazardous drive conditions that many heeded as a notable warning to stay off the roads.
Efforts to Clear the Roads
Local road crews sprang into action, diligently working round-the-clock to clear major roadways in the Myrtle Beach area. Despite these efforts, patches and sections of ice remained on many side streets and parking lots, posing challenges for those needing to venture out.
Warnings for Safety
Residents were reminded of the dangerous driving conditions by the National Weather Service in Wilmington who advised caution. Local law enforcement echoed this message, urging community members to stay home to avoid any risky situations while driving.
Impact on City Services
As the snow started to settle, city officials announced that all city facilities would remain closed on Friday due to ongoing icy conditions. Additionally, jury duty was canceled for the remainder of the week by Horry County officials, further impacting daily routines in the area.
Schools Shift to Online Learning
Horry-Georgetown Technical College switched to online instruction on Thursday, understanding the hazardous travel conditions. Similarly, Horry County schools transitioned to eLearning, canceling all extracurricular activities as a safety measure in response to the severe weather forecast.
A State of Emergency
As a proactive response, local governments declared a local state of emergency, moving to OPCON 2 due to the storm. For residents, this might seem like a reasonable step, considering the conditions and the safety of the community.
What’s Next for Myrtle Beach?
As of Thursday, Myrtle Beach still faced considerable cold weather with temperatures expected to remain well below freezing. A cold wave lingers in the forecast as families brace for the aftermath of this snowstorm. Interestingly, this snowfall is being recognized as the most significant in over a decade, with the last time similar conditions occurred back in 2000.
Record-Breaking Storms
Interestingly, the all-time snow record for Myrtle Beach stands at a remarkable 14 inches, which fell on December 24, 1989—the only documented white Christmas in the area. As the days unfold, residents can enjoy the novelty of a snowy paradise, but safety remains a priority as the community unites to navigate through this unexpected winter storm.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Historic Winter Storm Hits the Southern U.S., Affecting Millions
Myrtle Beach Prepares for Coming Winter Weather
Severe Winter Weather on the Way: Myrtle Beach Braces for Chill
Additional Resources
- WPDE: Snowstorm Ranks as the 5th Snowiest in Myrtle Beach History
- Myrtle Beach Online: Snowstorm News
- WBTW: Snow Day Showcase
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Snowstorm
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local Article on Snowstorm
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach Winter Weather
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.
