Myrtle Beach Braces for an Active Hurricane Season as Experts Urge Preparedness

Myrtle Beach Faces an Active Hurricane Season Ahead

As autumn rolls in here in Myrtle Beach, many of us are keeping a close eye on the skies and weather forecasts. While we’ve been fortunate not to have experienced any hurricanes so far this season, two major storms have already danced through our area. So, with the rest of the hurricane season stretched out ahead of us, what can we expect in the coming weeks? Let’s break it down.

What’s the Weather Forecast Looking Like?

According to local experts, it seems we might not be out of the woods just yet. Steve Pfaff, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, points out that the rest of this hurricane season is likely to be quite active. He mentioned, “Unfortunately, the rest of hurricane season looks like it’s going to be fairly active.” One of the reasons for this? Our ocean waters! The tropical Atlantic is staying warmer than usual, which can fuel those pesky storms.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has upped its forecast as well. Typically, a hurricane season will see around 14 named storms, with about seven turning into hurricanes and a mere three becoming major hurricanes. However, this year, they are predicting a potential for 17 to 24 named storms with winds reaching 39 mph or more, and they foresee around eight to 13 hurricanes

What’s Making This Season Different?

So, what’s driving these storm predictions? There’s a mix of factors at play: warmer sea temperatures, decreased vertical wind shear, and an enhanced West African monsoon. All of these elements add to a forecast that the Atlantic basin is becoming “remarkably active.”

Paff noted that historically, we can’t let our guard down yet, especially considering our area’s past. He reminded us that it was way back on October 15, 1954, when the fierce category four Hurricane Hazel made landfall near Calabash, not too far from here.

What Can We Do to Be Prepared?

While the entire Atlantic Basin is in focus, it’s still crucial for those of us living in Myrtle Beach to prepare. Paff suggested, “All it takes is one storm,” reminding us that sometimes preparation can feel like a chore, but it’s oh-so-important. So whether you’ve done it already or you’re just getting started, some basic preparations can really help.

Here’s How to Get Ready:

• Find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation area.
• Put together an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, first aid supplies, and tools.
• Create or review your evacuation plan.
• Check your insurance coverage for your home and property.
• Stay in the loop with National Weather Service updates.

As we dive deeper into the season, staying informed and prepared is key. While we may love the sunny days in our beloved Myrtle Beach, a little planning goes a long way when it comes to hurricane season.

Wrapping Up

So, as all of us locals sip our sweet tea and soak in the late-summer sun, let’s make sure we’re ready for whatever Mother Nature throws our way. Keep your eye on the weather, make those preparations if you haven’t already, and stay safe out there!