News Summary
Myrtle Beach is under an alert for strong thunderstorms expected to last until 10 p.m. tonight. The National Weather Service has warned of possible marble-sized hail and wind gusts up to 40 mph. Communities such as Whiteville and Tabor City are especially at risk, prompting residents to take precautions. Safety measures include seeking shelter indoors and staying alert for lightning and hydroplaning risks. As the evening progresses, it’s essential to stay safe and look out for one another.
Myrtle Beach on Alert: Strong Thunderstorms Bring Hail and High Winds
Hey there, Myrtle Beach! Batten down the hatches because the weather has taken an unexpected turn this evening. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an alert for strong thunderstorms that could shake things up until 10 p.m. tonight. So grab a comfy blanket, maybe a nice cup of cocoa, and let’s talk about what to expect!
What’s Brewing in the Sky?
As of 8:53 p.m., the NWS has confirmed that strong thunderstorms are sweeping through the area. These storms are bringing along some potentially nasty hail, with forecasts indicating marble-sized hailstones, measuring about 0.5 inches. And if that’s not enough to get your attention, expect wind gusts that could hit up to 40 miles per hour.
Doppler radar has been busy tracking a particularly strong thunderstorm that swooshed through Tabor City, located about 14 miles southwest of Whiteville. This tempest is currently moving northeast at a brisk pace of 30 mph. So if you’re located in or around the Myrtle Beach area, it might be a good time to check on those garden gnomes and patio furniture—you wouldn’t want anything flying away!
Where Are the Storms Striking?
The alert is broad-reaching, touching a number of communities. Our friends in the following locations should be especially vigilant:
- Whiteville
- Tabor City
- Chadbourn
- Bladenboro
- Hallsboro
- Redbug
- Mollie
- Sidney
- Southeastern Community College
- Clarendon
- Williams
- Brunswick
- Clarkton
- Columbus Regional Healthcare System
All of these areas are on notice as this storm system rolls through, so take heed and prepare accordingly!
Stay Safe: What Should You Do?
When Mother Nature shows her fierce side, safety should be our top priority. If you’re out and about, now is the time to seek shelter inside a sturdy building. Get cozy, turn on those lights, and hunker down until the storm passes. Safety first! Remember, lightning poses a significant threat during these storms, with approximately 25 million lightning strikes occurring annually across the U.S., claiming about 20 lives each year. The closer the storm gets, the higher the likelihood of experiencing a strike.
After a storm passes, you can breathe a little easier, as the risk of lightning decreases significantly. Keep in mind that if you’re driving during this tumultuous weather, watch out for the risk of hydroplaning! This occurs when your vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads, usually due to water buildup in front of the tires. Remember, three key factors contribute to this slippery situation, so stay alert.
Wrapping It Up
As we wind down this evening, let’s keep our fingers crossed that the storms roll through quickly and leave no nasty surprises behind. Hopefully, you’ll remain snug at home, enjoying the cozy indoors while the storms do their thing outside. So stay safe, Myrtle Beach, and keep an eye on the skies! But most importantly, check on your neighbors—let’s look out for one another during these stormy times!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rock Hill Weather Forecast: Warm Days and Thunderstorms Ahead
Unseasonably Warm Weather and Storm Chances for Rock Hill
Strong Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Local Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Laurens, Union, and Chester Counties
York County Faces Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Tragic Fires Claim Three Lives in Rock Hill
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit Clarendon, Orangeburg, and Sumter Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Hit South Carolina
Severe Weather Alert: Thunderstorms Impact Upstate SC and Georgia
Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Watches Hit South Carolina
Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online: Strong Thunderstorms Alert
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Island Packet: Weather News
- Google Search: Thunderstorms
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather Forecast
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Myrtle Beach Online: Severe Thunderstorms
- Google News: Weather Alerts
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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