North Myrtle Beach: Unusual Ocean Colors Explained
Hello, North Myrtle Beach! If you’ve been out on the sandy shores recently, you might have noticed something a little different in the water. Yep, it’s not your imagination! The ocean has been showing off some unexpected colors lately, and there’s a scientific reason behind it.
What’s Causing This Color Change?
This all started with some heavy rainfall that hit southeastern North Carolina, which resulted from a potential cyclone. Some areas saw up to 20 inches of rain, which is a significant downpour to say the least! As that water drains into the Atlantic Ocean, it’s bringing along dirt and debris that’s stirred things up around here.
Now, here’s where it gets a bit technical but stick with me! The Waccamaw River, which starts up in North Carolina, has been carrying all that excess rain and sediment. It flows downstream through places like Conway and even Georgetown before making its way to the ocean. News reports tell us that, even though our area didn’t see as much rain, the runoff from that storm has made its way south and is mixing into our local waters.
What’s in That Water?
While it might look colorful and somewhat inviting, we’ve got to be a bit cautious. The muddy water can also pick up unwanted stuff like bacteria and pesticides on its journey down. So, if you’re thinking about taking a dip, you might want to consider holding off for a little while until things clear up. Better safe than sorry, right?
Local meteorologists, like Hannah Rahner, are keeping an eye on the situation and sharing important updates on what’s happening with our waterways. It’s always good to check the latest news before heading out for a swim.
What Can We Do?
In the meantime, let’s enjoy the coastal beauty but do so with a little awareness. If you’re planning to hang out at the beach but are unsure about going in the water, there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained. How about a relaxing beach walk, reading a good book in the sun, or even trying out some new beach games with friends and family?
Stay Updated!
Remember to keep an ear out for updates on the weather and ocean conditions. Also, local authorities often issue advisories when it comes to water quality post-rain events, so be on the lookout for any public notices. Your health and safety should always come first!
Despite the recent strange colors in our beautiful ocean, let’s keep the good vibes flowing and appreciate all that Myrtle Beach has to offer! Whether you’re soaking up the sun or enjoying fresh seafood at a local restaurant, there’s still plenty of fun to be had.
Wrapping It Up

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.


