News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Myrtle Beach and nearby areas until 2:15 p.m. The warning was announced at 1:09 p.m., indicating thunderstorms capable of producing penny-sized hail and wind gusts up to 40 mph. Residents are advised to seek shelter and stay updated on weather conditions.
Myrtle Beach Issues Severe Thunderstorm Warning
The National Weather Service (NWS) Wilmington NC has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas effective until 2:15 p.m. on Monday. The alert was announced at 1:09 p.m. and comes as strong thunderstorms are detected in the region.
The thunderstorms moving northeast at 10 mph have the potential to produce penny-sized hail, which measures approximately 0.75 inches in diameter, and wind gusts that could reach up to 40 mph. As of the report time, Doppler radar indicates significant storm activity extending from near Mollie to Goretown.
Storm Impacts
Residents should prepare for the possibility of gusty winds that may lead to hazardous conditions, including:
- Downed tree limbs
- Blown around unsecured objects
- Minor hail damage to vegetation
Areas Affected
Additional locations included in the thunderstorm alert are:
- Brunswick
- Williams
- Hallsboro
- Nakina
- Goretown
- Redbug
- Mollie
- Bethel
- Sidney
- Lake Waccamaw
- Whiteville
Safety Recommendations
The NWS advises individuals who are outdoors to seek shelter immediately inside a building. Additionally, it is recommended to monitor local radio and television stations for ongoing updates from the NWS.
Thunderstorms can also lead to dangerous lightning conditions, with about 25 million lightning strikes occurring annually in the U.S., primarily in the summer months. These strikes result in approximately 20 fatalities each year. The likelihood of getting struck by lightning increases significantly as a storm approaches, reaching its peak intensity when the storm is directly overhead.
Driving Hazards
Drivers should be aware of the danger of hydroplaning, which occurs when water accumulates in front of tires faster than the vehicle’s weight can displace it, causing loss of control. Rain and wet road conditions during thunderstorms heighten the risk of this phenomenon. It is crucial to avoid flooded roadways while driving.
Previous Warnings
Prior to the current warning, the NWS issued multiple alerts over the weekend for strong thunderstorms in the wider Myrtle Beach area. An initial report at 6:32 p.m. on Sunday warned of strong thunderstorms until 7:30 p.m., forecasting possible pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and affecting places like Horry, Bayboro, and Green Sea. A follow-up report at 8:53 p.m. on Sunday noted further strong thunderstorms until 10 p.m., expecting to produce marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and additional wind gusts.
Proactive measures are essential during periods of severe weather to ensure safety and awareness of changing conditions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Duke Energy Tackles Hurricane Helene Aftermath in South Carolina
Myrtle Beach Issues Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Mike Pence Receives JFK Profile in Courage Award
Severe Winter Weather Forecasted for South Carolina
Careteam Plus Addresses Long Wait Times for New Patient Appointments
Rip Current Warning Issued for Myrtle Beach
South Carolina: The New Golf Paradise Awaits!
IRS Extends Tax Filing Deadlines for Disaster-Affected States
Myrtle Beach Prepares for OneFlight Golf Classic
Horry County Faces Concerns Over Bridges in Poor Condition
Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online: Severe Thunderstorm Warning Article
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Herald Online: Weather News Article
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
- Myrtle Beach Online: Thunderstorm Updates Article
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Impacts
- Myrtle Beach Online: Recent Weather Report Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Myrtle Beach Online: Another Weather Alert Article
- Google News: Thunderstorm Warnings
