Myrtle Beach, SC, January 22, 2026
Myrtle Beach is preparing for a winter storm as Horry County activates OPCON 2. Local businesses and residents are encouraged to take precautions and work together to ensure safety and minimize economic disruption. The proactive community spirit and emergency management plans reflect the importance of readiness amid changing weather conditions.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What is the current operational status for Horry County regarding the winter storm?
Horry County Emergency Management Department moved to OPCON 2 (Level 2 Operating Condition) on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 9 a.m., signifying a heightened state of awareness for a developing winter storm.
What does OPCON 2 mean for residents and businesses in Horry County?
OPCON 2 indicates a possibility of an emergency or disaster requiring emergency plan implementation, with officials actively monitoring conditions and engaging with state and local municipalities. It emphasizes proactive coordination and resource management to safeguard the community and its economic infrastructure.
How should residents prepare for the potential winter storm?
Residents are encouraged to check on friends and neighbors, ensure electronic devices are charged, stock nonperishable food and water, and verify smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Additionally, safely use generators and alternative heating sources, and avoid roads once precipitation begins.
How are small businesses in Myrtle Beach preparing for the winter weather?
Myrtle Beach small businesses are demonstrating resilience by developing contingency plans, including securing properties, checking on employees, and maintaining essential supplies. This proactive approach aims to minimize downtime and ensure swift recovery, complementing local authority guidance.
What is the historical impact of winter storms in Horry County, and why is preparedness important?
Historically, Horry County has experienced $23.25 million in damages from severe winter storms, with events like Winter Storm Jasper in 2022 causing localized states of emergency and travel impacts. Investing in preparedness mitigates economic impact, reduces property damage, and accelerates post-storm recovery, protecting jobs and livelihoods.
Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach Weathering Winter Storm Threat: OPCON 2 Activated
As Horry County moves to OPCON 2 in anticipation of a developing winter storm, local businesses and residents are demonstrating the proactive spirit and community resilience characteristic of the Grand Strand. This heightened state of awareness underscores the importance of preparedness and collaboration in maintaining economic stability and public safety.
The Horry County Emergency Management Department raised its operational condition to Level 2 (OPCON 2) on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 9 a.m.. This action signifies that the county is in a state of heightened awareness, with emergency plans being implemented as officials engage in discussions with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division and local municipalities. While the forecast has shown some favorable shifts, the rapid changes in weather conditions necessitate continued vigilance. The City of Conway is also closely monitoring the situation and maintaining constant communication with state and Horry County emergency officials.
Understanding OPCON 2: A Proactive Approach to Emergency Management
OPCON 2 indicates a possibility of an emergency or disaster situation that may necessitate the activation of the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). This level of readiness involves a heightened terrorist threat or localized incidents. While the Horry County Emergency Operations Center is not currently fully activated, emergency management officials are continuously monitoring the situation and will inform the public of any forecast changes. This proactive stance allows for early coordination and resource management, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding the community and its economic infrastructure.
The Horry County Emergency Management Department’s comprehensive plan aims to support citizens, guests, and institutions by warning of impending danger, preparing for and responding to emergencies, assessing needs, managing resources from various sectors, and coordinating recovery efforts. Such preparedness is vital for Myrtle Beach SC business owners, allowing them to make informed decisions to protect their assets and employees.
Small Business Resilience in the Face of Winter Weather
Winter storms, though less frequent than hurricanes in coastal South Carolina, can pose significant challenges, including freezing rain, ice accumulation, and strong winds that may lead to power outages and disruptions. Historically, winter storms have caused substantial damage in Horry County, with recorded damages totaling $23.25 million from severe winter storms. Past events, such as Winter Storm Jasper in 2022, led to localized states of emergency and impacts on travel due to iced runways and overpasses.
Despite these threats, the spirit of Myrtle Beach small business owners often shines through. Their ability to adapt and implement preparedness plans is a testament to entrepreneurial innovation. Many businesses have developed contingency plans, including securing properties, checking on employees, and maintaining essential supplies, to minimize downtime and ensure swift recovery. This private sector initiative, coupled with clear guidance from local authorities, forms a robust defense against economic disruption.
Community-Wide Preparedness and Collaboration
The move to OPCON 2 also highlights the broader community effort in emergency preparedness. Horry County Emergency Management encourages all residents to take steps to prepare their households and neighborhoods. These recommendations include checking on friends and neighbors, ensuring electronic devices are charged, having nonperishable food and water, verifying smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, safely using generators and alternative heating sources, and avoiding roads once precipitation begins. These actions reflect a strong sense of civic responsibility and collective care that underpins the region’s ability to navigate adverse events.
Effective communication between emergency services and the public is crucial during these times. The accessibility of information about changing weather conditions and safety guidelines empowers individuals and businesses to make timely decisions, further reinforcing the community’s overall resilience.
Economic Growth Through Proactive Measures
Investing in preparedness is not merely a reactive measure but a proactive strategy for sustaining economic growth. When businesses and communities are well-prepared, the economic impact of severe weather events can be mitigated. This includes reducing property damage, minimizing lost revenue from closures, and accelerating the post-storm recovery process. The emphasis on individual and organizational readiness fosters an environment where local economies can rebound quickly, protecting jobs and livelihoods.
In South Carolina, proactive measures for winter weather preparedness are routinely promoted. Governor Henry McMaster has previously proclaimed Winter Weather Preparedness Week to encourage residents to review emergency plans and check supplies, emphasizing that even mild winters can bring significant impacts such as closed highways, power outages, and flood risks. Such state-level initiatives complement local efforts, ensuring a comprehensive safety net for South Carolina entrepreneurs and residents alike.
Table: Key Features of Horry County’s Winter Storm Preparedness
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| OPCON Level | Horry County Emergency Management Department moved to OPCON 2 (Level 2 Operating Condition) on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 9 a.m.. | Local |
| Meaning of OPCON 2 | Heightened state of awareness with emergency plans being implemented, signifying the possibility of an emergency or disaster. | Local |
| Emergency Operations Center (EOC) | Not currently activated, but officials are monitoring the situation. The EOC may be partially or fully activated at OPCON 2 in certain scenarios. | Local |
| Forecast | Winter storm forecast. Weather conditions can change quickly, though the forecast has shifted favorably. | Local |
| Community Actions | Residents are urged to prepare by checking on neighbors, charging devices, stocking food/water, checking detectors, safely using heating, and staying off roads. | Local |
| Historical Impact of Winter Storms | Horry County has experienced $23.25 million in damage from severe winter storms, with past events like Winter Storm Jasper 2022 resulting in localized states of emergency and travel impacts. | Local |
| State-level Preparedness | South Carolina promotes Winter Weather Preparedness Week to encourage residents to review plans and supplies for potential impacts like road closures, power outages, and flood risks. | State-level |
The collective response to potential winter weather in Horry County exemplifies the resilience and preparedness that define our region. From the robust emergency management framework to the proactive measures taken by individual residents and Myrtle Beach small business owners, the community is well-positioned to navigate challenges. By fostering an environment where preparedness is prioritized and shared responsibility is embraced, we continue to build a stronger, more resilient economy here in Myrtle Beach. We encourage all our readers to stay informed, support local enterprises, and contribute to the ongoing strength of our community by being prepared for any eventuality.
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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.
