News Summary
Residents of Myrtle Beach are urged to stay vigilant as the National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning. Thunderstorms are expected to bring strong winds, hail, and dangerous lightning. The alert is in place until 6:30 p.m., affecting areas including Conway, Florence, and Marion. Safety tips are recommended to avoid hazards like hydroplaning and lightning strikes. Stay informed by tuning into local updates.
Myrtle Beach Faces Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
Myrtle Beach residents, listen up! The weather has taken a turn, and the National Weather Service (NWS) Wilmington NC has issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning for your area. Just after 5:55 p.m. on Wednesday, the alarm bells rang, predicting strong thunderstorms until 6:30 p.m. If you’re in Conway, Myrtle Beach, or even nearby counties like Florence and Marion, keep your eyes peeled and stay safe!
What to Expect
Forecasts are suggesting some exciting weather ahead! Get ready for wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 40 mph and the potential for some marble-sized hail, coming in at about 0.5 inches in diameter. Not exactly the best weather for an evening stroll or dinner on the beach, right?
Doppler radar showed strong thunderstorms brewing, stretching all the way from Kingsburg to near the Horry community, moving southeast at a relaxed pace of 15 mph. Those gusty winds could easily bring down tree limbs or send unsecured items tumbling. Hail may cause minor damage to the vegetation—so be prepared, green thumbs!
Areas Under Alert
The thunderstorms aren’t playing favorites and could affect a variety of areas, including Horry, Johnsonville, Pee Dee Crossroads, Poston, Brittons Neck, Kingsburg, and Aynor. Each of these communities should take this warning seriously and stay alert!
Lightning, Hydroplaning, and Safety Tips
As if the wind and hail weren’t enough, we also have to think about lightning. Every year in the U.S., lightning strikes about 25 million times, and sadly, these weather shows lead to an average of 20 fatalities annually. As the thunderstorm approaches, the chances of lightning strike jump dramatically, peaking when the storm is right above you. So, if you’re outside, your best bet is to find some indoor shelter!
Driving during a storm? Remember that hydroplaning can happen if you’re not careful! This occurs when water builds up on the road and lifts your tires off the ground, leading to an uncontrollable slip. Three major culprits behind hydroplaning are excessive speed, worn tires, and standing water. As tempting as it may be to dash through a flooded section, don’t risk it!
Earlier Storm Warnings
In case you thought it couldn’t get any worse, you should know that there was an earlier storm warning issued at 4:23 p.m. for this same area. It was meant for the Myrtle Beach vicinity and Marion County, effective until 4:45 p.m., with wind gusts potentially reaching up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail (1 inch). This storm, situated over Rains, was heading east at a spritely 20 mph and posed a significant risk to trees and power lines.
Another Warning Nearby
But wait, there’s more! At 6 p.m., a separate thunderstorm warning came through from Charleston’s NWS for Berkeley County. Expecting stormy weather there until 6:15 p.m., with similarly intense wind gusts up to 60 mph and walnut-sized hail (1.5 inches) looming near Goose Creek, moving southeast at 10 mph.
Staying Safe
For everyone in the affected areas, be sure to seek shelter inside a sturdy structure and steer clear of windows. When the weather turns nasty like this, it’s always better to err on the side of caution!
So, Myrtle Beach folks, stay tuned to your local radio and television stations for updates and further warnings. The weather can be unpredictable, but with a little awareness and precaution, we can ride out the storm just fine!
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online: Severe Thunderstorm Warning Article
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- The State: Weather News Article
- Google Search: Weather Safety Tips
- Island Packet: Weather Update Article
- Google Scholar: Weather and Safety
- Myrtle Beach Online: Storm Warnings Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
- Myrtle Beach Online: Latest Weather News
- Google News: Thunderstorm Warnings
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
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