News Summary
On Wednesday afternoon, severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas by the National Weather Service. With predictions of wind gusts up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail, residents were urged to seek shelter and report any damage. Additional alerts later in the evening indicated continuing severe weather with risks of minor damages and dangerous driving conditions. As winter approaches, warmer and drier trends could also affect the area.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Myrtle Beach Area and Beyond
On Wednesday afternoon, Myrtle Beach and the surrounding regions were put on high alert as the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wilmington, NC, issued a severe thunderstorm warning at precisely 3:47 p.m. This warning is crucial for the safety of the community and is in effect until 4:45 p.m.
Residents can expect some dramatic weather, with predictions forecasting wind gusts soaring up to a staggering 60 mph and potentially quarter-sized hail, measuring in at about 1 inch. Just moments after the warning was announced, at 3:47 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was confirmed over Bucksport, close to Socastee, and it was moving southeast at a steady pace of 15 mph.
The danger is real, as there is a possibility of minor hail damage to vehicles and wind damage to trees and power lines. Anyone venturing in the affected areas, including Myrtle Beach Airport, Burgess, Bucksville, Springmaid Pier, Socastee, Waccamaw Community Hospital, Garden City, Bucksport, Red Hill, Forestbrook, Myrtle Beach, Yauhannah, Surfside Beach, and Murrells Inlet, is advised to take precautions.
Safety First: What You Should Do
For safety, it’s recommended that residents move to an interior room on the lowest floor of their buildings. If you encounter hail or wind damage in your area, please report it to the NWS office immediately. Your safety is paramount, and any damage can help improve weather forecasting!
Then at 5:01 p.m., another alert followed for a strong thunderstorm affecting the Myrtle Beach area, lasting until 5:45 p.m. This alert predicted wind gusts hitting up to 40 mph and nickel-sized hail (about 0.88 inches). Doppler radar picked up a strong storm over Clarendon, just 14 miles southwest of Whiteville, also moving at 15 mph.
Residents in this area need to take heed, as gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Engaging in outdoor activities during the storm should be avoided, and if you’re outside, it’s crucial to seek shelter indoors.
Even More Thunderstorms on the Horizon
The storm could lead to minor damage to outdoor objects and again endanger tree limbs. Areas to watch closely include Chapin, Melvin Park, and Little Mountain, particularly near Interstate 26 at mile marker 88.
Thunderstorms and Their Risks
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Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- The State: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Myrtle Beach Area
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
- Google Search: Weather Storms Myrtle Beach
- AOL: La Niña and Myrtle Beach Weather
- Google Scholar: La Niña Weather
- WMBF News: Weather Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather Forecast
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.
