News Summary
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas, effective until 10 p.m. on May 4, 2025. Marble-sized hail and wind gusts up to 40 mph are expected. Residents are advised to take precautionary measures as thunderstorms approach. Areas affected include Whiteville, Tabor City, and several others. The National Weather Service warns of potential hazards such as fallen tree limbs, damaged vegetation, and increased lightning risks. Safety recommendations emphasize seeking shelter and avoiding outdoor activities during this severe weather event.
Myrtle Beach Issues Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas, effective until 10 p.m. on May 4, 2025. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported strong thunderstorms anticipated to arrive with marble-sized hail measuring about 0.5 inches and wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph.
Current Weather Conditions
As of 8:52 p.m., Doppler radar detected a significant thunderstorm near Tabor City, located 14 miles southwest of Whiteville. The storm is currently tracking northeast at approximately 30 mph. Residents in the path of the storm are urged to take precautionary measures.
Impacted Areas
This severe weather warning affects multiple locations including Whiteville, Tabor City, Chadbourn, Bladenboro, Hallsboro, Redbug, Mollie, Sidney, Southeastern Community College, Clarendon, Williams, Brunswick, Clarkton, and Columbus Regional Healthcare System. Residents in these areas should remain vigilant and prepare for potentially hazardous conditions.
Potential Hazards
With the expected storms, gusty winds could lead to fallen tree limbs and displacement of unsecured items. Minor damage to vegetation may also occur due to the hail. As thunderstorm conditions persist, the threat of lightning rises significantly; statistics indicate that approximately 25 million lightning strikes happen in the U.S. each year, causing around 20 fatalities annually. It is crucial for those outdoors to find shelter in a building.
Safety Recommendations
The NWS advises anyone outdoors during thunderstorms to seek a building for protection. Lightning probability increases as storms approach and peaks when the storm is overhead before decreasing afterward. Safety measures during a thunderstorm include avoiding outdoor activities, securing loose objects, and steering clear of windows.
Hydroplaning and Driving Safety
Drivers should also be aware of the dangers of hydroplaning during heavy rain. Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle slides on water covering the roadway, making it difficult to control. This phenomenon is most commonly caused by insufficient tire tread depth, excessive speed, and water accumulation on the road. Staying aware of driving conditions, particularly on major highways such as Interstate 20, Interstate 26, and Interstate 77 in South Carolina, is essential for safety during severe weather.
Previous Warnings
Prior to the current warning, the NWS issued an alert at 6:32 p.m. for strong thunderstorms affecting the Conway and Myrtle Beach areas, which included wind gusts of up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail. Doppler radar indicated significant storm activity near Horry around 6:31 p.m., moving northeast at 10 mph with similar safety concerns.
Midnight Update
A subsequent update from the NWS Columbia SC at 1:30 a.m. indicated another series of strong thunderstorms affecting Southern Lancaster and several counties including Chesterfield and Richland, with anticipated winds reaching up to 50 mph and continued risks of pea-sized hail.
Final Reminder
Residents are reminded to seek shelter indoors during this severe thunderstorm warning and to report any observed wind damage or hail to the NWS office in Wilmington. Staying informed through local weather updates can help ensure safety as the situation develops.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rip Current Warning Issued for Myrtle Beach
IRS Extends Tax Filing Deadlines for Disaster-Affected States
Holocaust Remembrance Program Held in Myrtle Beach
Coastal Chaos: Tropical Storm Helene Hits Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach to Upgrade Water Meter System
Horry County Schools Achieve Academic Success and Community Engagement
Myrtle Beach Celebrates Local Talent at Arts Festival
Flood Advisory Issued for Myrtle Beach and Coastal Georgetown
North Myrtle Beach Hosts the Return of Monday After the Masters
Driver Leads Police on Chaotic Chase in North Myrtle Beach
Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Island Packet: Weather Update
- Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Myrtle Beach Online: Thunderstorm Alerts
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Hazards
- Myrtle Beach Online: Storm Safety Tips
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather Advisory
- Google News: Tornado Watch and Warnings
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.
