Myrtle Beach Braces for Hurricane Milton: What You Need to Know
As we sit by the beach here in Myrtle Beach, the air is filled with a mix of excitement and concern as we watch Hurricane Milton swirl away in the Atlantic. Classified as a Category 4 storm as of Tuesday afternoon, Milton’s path has everyone buzzing about what it could mean for our lovely coastal town. So, let’s break down what’s happening!
What’s the Latest on Hurricane Milton?
According to meteorologists, Hurricane Milton is expected to cut through Florida from the west and make its way into the eastern Atlantic by the weekend. The good news for all of us in Myrtle Beach is that it shouldn’t come close to our shores. So, a huge sigh of relief, right?
Impacts for Myrtle Beach
National Weather Service forecaster, Reid Hawkimf, has given us the scoop on what to expect here. The main issues we might face are some strong rip currents and a little bit of coastal flooding during high tide, particularly on Thursday. But let’s not panic just yet – for those of us living or vacationing inland in Horry County, rain is not in the forecast! Yep, you heard that right – we can kick back without worrying about getting drenched.
Wind and Surf Conditions
As far as winds go, they might pick up a bit, reaching around 15 to 20 miles per hour. But Hawkimf stressed that we’re mainly looking at rough surf rather than any major issues. It sounds like a good excuse to keep our toes out of the water for a day or two, though! The worst will likely be those pesky rip currents making beach time a bit tricky.
What About the Temperature?
Now, let’s chat about the temps! You might notice a drop into the low 70s by Friday, but don’t toss your shorts just yet! We’re in for a bounce back into the 80s just in time for the weekend. So, if you’re planning on playing it safe and avoiding the beach, it looks like you can still enjoy some warm, sunny days.
No Warnings for Our Area
The coolest part? No tropical storm warnings or watches are projected for the Myrtle Beach area because of Hurricane Milton. We’re in the clear! Plus, the storm’s “dirty” side—the part that tends to bring harsher conditions—won’t have any impact on us either. Hooray!
Fringe Effects to Expect
That’s not to say we won’t feel some fringe effects from the storm passing offshore. Hawkimf mentioned we could see high surf and dangerous rip currents, along with some gusty winds and potentially light rain from late Wednesday to Friday. So while we’re safe, it’s wise to stay informed and be cautious if you’re thinking about hitting the waves.
Wrap Up
As Hurricane Milton decides to do its thing down in Florida, we in Myrtle Beach can breathe a bit easier knowing that while we might see some rip currents and high surf, that’s about it! It’s a good time to check on your beach plans and maybe find an indoor activity for Thursday. So, folks, let’s keep our fingers crossed that Milton stays on its path and does not bring any surprises our way!
Stay safe, Myrtle Beach! The sun will shine again soon.
