Horry County Residents Prepare for Winter Storm

News Summary

Horry County, S.C. has declared a local state of emergency in preparation for a winter storm expected to bring 4 to 5 inches of snow. All county facilities, including libraries and healthcare offices, will close. Residents are encouraged to prepare for hazardous conditions and black ice, with emergency operations initiated to protect public safety.

Horry County Residents Brace for Winter Storm as Emergency Declared

As snowflakes begin to gently cover the ground, Horry County, S.C. has officially declared a local state of emergency. This announcement came around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, allowing county officials to spring into action as they prepare for the impending winter storm. It’s a decision that will stay in effect for the next 60 days unless it is lifted sooner due to the weather improving.

What Does This Mean for You?

The state of emergency means that the county has the green light to implement emergency ordinances to protect the health, safety, and property of its residents. Right now, Horry County is sitting at a Level 2 Operating Condition, or OPCON 2, which indicates that the area is on heightened alert and emergency plans are in full swing.

While the Emergency Operations Center has not yet been activated, the good folks in the emergency management division are dedicated to keeping everyone in the loop during this storm. Residents are being strongly encouraged to take some time to prepare for what’s coming our way.

County Facilities Closing Down

In light of the approaching winter weather, all county facilities will be shutting their doors at 7 p.m. on Tuesday and will remain closed throughout Wednesday. This includes the Solid Waste Authority facilities, Parks & Recreation activities, and all scheduled events at Horry County Libraries. So make sure to grab any last-minute library books today before they close!

Conway Medical Center is also jumping on board with closures, shutting down all primary care, pediatric, and specialty offices for Wednesday. Similarly, the City of Myrtle Beach is taking precautions by closing city offices at 4 p.m. Tuesday and keeping them closed the following day. If you have plans to visit any city office, you might want to reconsider.

As for Florence, it will also hold its doors closed on Wednesday, canceling in-person court proceedings and closing all community centers. Marion County is doing the same and closing its administration offices on Wednesday, with future plans hinging on how the weather plays out.

Don’t forget about Darlington County, which will also close its government offices, landfills, and trash collection on Wednesday. Scotland County will operate on a two-hour delay for their government offices and recycling centers, allowing staff a little extra time to arrive safely.

What’s in the Forecast?

So what kind of weather should we expect? Horry County is bracing for approximately 4 to 5 inches of snow, with the heaviest impacts predicted between 8 p.m. on Tuesday and 3 a.m. Wednesday. The South Carolina Department of Transportation isn’t sitting idle either! They’ve already started pre-treating major roads like U.S. 17 to help prevent ice and snow accumulation.

Crews are ready to work long shifts of 13 hours during the storm, keeping an eye on road conditions and conducting necessary de-icing operations to make roads a little safer for travel.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the area, advising everyone about the risk of black ice spreading over the roads come Wednesday and Thursday.

Travel Plans? Be Prepared!

Myrtle Beach International Airport remains open, but if you plan to catch a flight, you should definitely check on your status beforehand. Weather conditions could lead to delays, so leave yourself some extra time to navigate those slippery roads.

Meanwhile, community members are reminded to look out for one another during this chilly weather. Be sure to check in on friends, family, and even your pets to ensure everyone is warm, safe, and well taken care of.

Solid Waste Authority Updates

Lastly, all operations of the Horry County Solid Waste Authority will cease on Wednesday, with plans for Thursday to be announced later depending on how weather conditions unfold.

Stay warm and stay safe, Horry County! With a little preparation and caution, we can all weather this winter storm together.

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Myrtle Beach Prepares for Coming Winter Weather
Severe Winter Weather on the Way: Myrtle Beach Braces for Chill
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Additional Resources

• WMBF News: Grand Strand & Pee Dee Closures Announced
• Google Search: winter storm preparations South Carolina
• Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
• Wikipedia: Winter storm
• WPDE: Winter Storm Road Treatment
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter
• WBTW: Winter Storm Warning
• Google News: winter weather Horry County
• My Horry News: Winter Storm Updates
• Google Scholar: winter storm impact on local communities