Hurricane Helene Approaches Myrtle Beach: Essential Safety Information and Preparedness Tips

Hurricane Helene Approaches Myrtle Beach: What You Need to Know!

Hey Myrtle Beach! It looks like we’re gearing up for some serious storm action as Hurricane Helene has made its way into the Gulf of Mexico, heading our way. As of 11 p.m. Wednesday, this Category 1 hurricane is packing sustained winds of 85 mph and is moving north at about 9 mph. Tropical storm warnings have been issued for our entire state, so let’s get ready and stay safe!

What’s Happening with Helene?

Helene isn’t just sitting pretty. The forecast says it could quickly ramp up to a major hurricane by Thursday. We’re talking about a potential increase in wind speed by a whopping 50 mph in just 24 hours. Yikes! It looks like the storm will be moving north before it changes course, heading towards the Florida Panhandle and making landfall near Panama City or Tallahassee as a strong Category 4 hurricane with gusts hitting 130 mph.

What Can We Expect Here?

While we won’t get the brunt of it, there are a few things we should keep in mind:

• Heavy Rain: We could see between 1 to 3 inches of rain, especially overnight Thursday into Friday morning. So, keep those umbrellas handy!
• Breezy Conditions: Expect some wind, especially as the storm gets closer.
• Storm Surge: Right along the coast, anticipate 1-3 ft of surge, but at high tide (4:09 AM Friday at Springmaid Pier), we might be looking at around 6.5-7.5 ft of water. Just a heads up for those planning to head out to the shoreline!
• Tornado Risk: There’s also a slight threat for tornadoes, especially late Thursday into Friday. The tornado threat ranges from 2-5% for our area, so let’s keep an eye on updates.

What About Flash Flooding?

There’s a 15% chance of isolated flash flooding in our neck of the woods, while the Upstate might see a higher risk at about 70%. If you’re venturing out, be cautious and avoid driving through flooded areas!

Coastal Flooding Is Possible

With the storm surge expected and the onshore flow of water, coastal flooding could affect our area too. Always be alert to changing conditions and any advisories that pop up.

Look Ahead: What Is Next?

After Hurricane Helene, it looks like there’s another weather disturbance brewing off the coast of Africa. This one has a solid 80% chance of developing into a storm in the coming weeks, potentially named Isaac. Luckily, current models are keeping it out to sea, so that’s some relief!

Time to Prepare!

Now is the time to secure those loose items around your home and make sure you have enough supplies. Stock up on water, non-perishable snacks, and something fun to binge-watch just in case you get stuck inside for a while!

As always, stay tuned for updates and listen to any evacuation orders or safety recommendations. Myrtle Beach has weathered storms before, and we’ll get through this one too. Stay safe out there!