Severe Weather Alert: Gusty Showers and Winds Up to 50 mph Expected in Myrtle Beach Area Tonight

Hello, Myrtle Beach Residents!

It looks like we’re in for a bit of a bumpy ride this evening! The National Weather Service (NWS) Wilmington NC has just sent out an alert, and it’s time to brace ourselves for some gusty showers and strong winds.

Weather Alert in Effect

As of 8:17 p.m. on Thursday, the skies over Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas are not looking too fun. There’s a warning in place for areas including Inland Brunswick, Coastal Brunswick, Coastal Horry, Inland Georgetown, Coastal Georgetown, Central Horry, Northern Horry, and Columbus County, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph!

According to Doppler radar, at 8:16 p.m., those gusty showers were seen along a line extending from near Lake Waccamaw to near Hand and on towards Oatland, moving east at a speed of 25 mph. So if you’re planning on being out and about, we really recommend you think twice!

What to Expect?

Residents might notice a few tree limbs coming down or some unsecured items getting tossed around a bit. Not exactly the picturesque beach weather we all love! The locations impacted by this alert include popular spots such as Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Shallotte, Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Pawleys Island, and several others.

The NWS suggests that if you’re outdoors, it would be best to seek shelter inside. It’s not only about your comfort; it’s about safety too!

Driving Precautions

Now, if you’re thinking about hitting the road during these unpredictable conditions, let’s talk about some safety tips. If you happen to encounter flooded roads—please, do yourself a favor and make a U-turn. The currents can be powerful enough to sweep your vehicle away. And let’s be honest, nobody wants to deal with vehicle damage from deep water.

Hydroplaning—What You Need to Know

Ever heard of hydroplaning? It’s a term that many drivers dread and for good reason. This happens when your vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably on wet roads because water builds up in front of the tires faster than they can push it aside. Result? A scary ride on top of a thin layer of water. It’s a bit like trying to walk on ice—no fun at all!

The most common reasons for hydroplaning are: wet roads, worn-out tires, and driving too fast for the conditions. So, if you find yourself hydroplaning, just remember to stay calm. Here’s what to do:

• Remove your foot from the gas pedal — no sudden moves!
• Steer straight until you regain traction.
• Do not slam on the brakes; this might cause even more sliding.

Keep Safe, Myrtle Beach!

This weather may not be what we signed up for, but by staying informed and prepared, we can all get through the evening safely. Gather the family, grab some hot cocoa, and *hunker down* until this storm passes. Stay inside, keep an eye on the weather, and we’ll see you out there when the sun shines again!

Until then, stay safe and snug, Myrtle Beach!