Hurricane Helene Approaches Myrtle Beach: Prepare for Severe Weather Conditions

Heads Up Myrtle Beach: Hurricane Helene is Heading Our Way!

Hey Myrtle Beach! As if we needed a reminder that hurricane season is here, Hurricane Helene is making its presence known, and we all need to be prepared. According to the latest updates, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, and Surfside Beach are all under a tropical storm warning. So, grab your raincoats and secure those garden gnomes!

What to Expect

As the storm moves north through Georgia, we’re still going to feel its impact right here on the Grand Strand. Even though Helene is predicted to stay east of us, we shouldn’t let our guard down. We’re bracing ourselves for some gusty winds, heavy rain, and possibly even isolated tornadoes. Talk about a real weather rollercoaster!

Starting today, we can expect the skies to be a bit grumpy, with rainfall increasing as the day goes on. But hold onto your umbrellas, because things are likely to get more intense tonight and into Friday morning. We’re looking at possible tropical storm force gusts, minor coastal flooding, and localized flooding—especially in spots where the drainage isn’t all that great.

Timing is Everything

Here’s something to keep in mind: the heaviest rainfall and the biggest tornado risk are expected to hit between 3 AM and 9 AM on Friday. Seems like the timing could be a bit troublesome since most of us are just trying to get our morning coffee and gear up for work. That’s what makes this window particularly concerning; we can often be a little less alert during those early morning hours.

Experts are stressing the importance of staying in the loop. Make sure you have multiple ways of getting emergency alerts. Set up your phone notifications, download a weather app, or just keep the radio tuned in. Better to be safe than sorry, right?

Stay Safe and Dry

During those early morning hours, heavy rain could lead to localized flooding, especially along the Waccamaw River and the Pee Dee River, which could both see minor flooding as Helene rolls through. This is because there is already flooding upstream, and with more rain tomorrow, those rivers are just primed for overflow.

Now, when it comes to coastal flooding, brace yourselves for the likelihood of high tide making waves early Friday around 2 AM to 6 AM. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings during this time, particularly if you’re near the shore.

Looking Ahead

The good news? By around 9 AM on Friday, it looks like things will begin to clear up in the Grand Strand. Sure, we might see a couple of isolated storms and showers pop up, but we aren’t expecting nothing too widespread or severe after Helene moves on out. Phew! Steve Pfaff, the meteorologist in charge, mentioned that we’ll likely see that main storm band lift off toward Wilmington, which means we can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Though the day could stay a bit breezy after the storm passes, it might just feel nice to know the worst is behind us. Let’s all keep our eyes on the skies, stay connected for updates, and as always, look out for one another, Myrtle Beach!