News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm alert for the Myrtle Beach and Conway area, warning of wind gusts up to 40 mph and possible marble-sized hail. Residents are advised to seek shelter as Doppler radar detects a strong thunderstorm moving eastward. The storm poses risks of downed tree limbs and hydroplaning on wet roads. Community members should stay informed on weather updates and ensure their safety during the storm.
Myrtle Beach, SC — A severe thunderstorm alert has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Wilmington, NC for the Myrtle Beach area and Conway. The alert, updated on Wednesday at 5:44 p.m., will remain in effect until 6:45 p.m. Wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph and the possibility of marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) are expected in the affected region.
Doppler radar has detected a strong thunderstorm near Horry Georgetown Technical College’s Conway campus, which is moving eastward at 25 mph. The gusty winds associated with this thunderstorm could lead to downed tree limbs and the shifting of unsecured outdoor objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is also a possibility.
Areas likely to be affected by the storm include Myrtle Beach, Conway, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach Airport, Socastee, Red Hill, Little River, North Myrtle Beach Airport, Hickory Grove, Homewood, Adrian, Barefoot Landing, Nixonville, Dongola, Wampee, Cherry Grove Beach, Bucksville, Hand, and Longs.
The public is strongly advised to take precautions by seeking shelter inside a sturdy building if they find themselves outdoors during the storm. Lightning poses a significant risk during thunderstorms, striking the U.S. around 25 million times each year, with the risk being highest in the summer months. On average, thunderstorms cause 20 fatalities each year due to lightning strikes, a risk that increases as the storm approaches and peaks when directly overhead.
Hydroplaning is another concern associated with wet road conditions during thunderstorms. This occurs when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads due to the buildup of water pressure in front of the tire. Drivers are urged to exercise caution while traveling during adverse weather conditions.
In related weather updates, the NWS Columbia, SC had earlier issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 4:54 p.m. Wednesday for Sumter and Clarendon counties, effective until 5:45 p.m. The forecast for that area includes wind gusts up to 50 mph and potential penny-sized hail (0.75 inches). A strong thunderstorm was tracked approximately 8 miles south of South Sumter, moving southeast at 25 mph.
Minor damage to outdoor objects is anticipated in the following locations: Manning, Santee Cooper Regional Airport, Alcolu, Pinewood, Paxville, Davis Station, Brogdon, Lakewood, Privateer, and Foreston. The severe thunderstorm alert also affects a portion of Interstate 95 between mile markers 113 and 129, underscoring the widespread impact of these storms.
For community members unable to find indoor shelter during storms, the NWS has outlined safe practices to follow. It’s essential to stay informed of the changing weather conditions and heed warnings for the safety of all residents and visitors.
This story was originally published on May 14, 2025.
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Additional Resources
- The State: Severe Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Myrtle Beach
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather Update
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach weather
- ABC News 4: Overflight Myrtle Beach Classic Weather Updates
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Myrtle Beach
- WMBF News: Myrtle Beach Classic Round Delays
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Myrtle Beach Online: Latest Weather Alerts
- Google News: Myrtle Beach thunderstorm alerts
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.
