Myrtle Beach Residents on Alert as Severe Thunderstorm Hits

News Summary

Myrtle Beach is currently experiencing turbulent weather as a severe thunderstorm warning has been issued by the National Weather Service. The warning extends until 8:30 p.m., with reports of strong winds and dangerous conditions. Residents are urged to seek shelter and prepare for possible hydroplaning and lightning risks. The storms are moving quickly, and locals need to stay informed to ensure their safety. It’s essential for those impacted to report any damage to help community awareness and responses.

Myrtle Beach Residents on Alert as Severe Thunderstorm Hits

The beautiful coastal paradise of Myrtle Beach is currently facing some turbulent weather as a severe thunderstorm warning was issued last night by the National Weather Service. As folks were winding down their day, an alert was released at 8:18 p.m., letting everyone know that stormy weather was fast approaching. This warning is in effect until 8:30 p.m., so the area is still in the thick of it!

What’s Happening Right Now

As of 8:17 p.m., severe thunderstorms were reported along a line stretching from Dulah to Pireway, all the way to near Longwood and just past the Little River Entrance. These storms are moving northeast at a brisk pace of about 55 mph, and as if that isn’t enough, locals should brace for wind gusts hitting speeds of up to 60 mph!

Where to Stay Safe

For those living in the impacted areas—which includes residents in Sea Coast Medical Center, North Myrtle Beach, Longs, Pireway, Sunset Beach, Calabash, and several more—the message is clear: safety first! It is highly recommended to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of your home or building. This precaution can help keep you safe from potential wind damage to trees and power lines.

A Look at Earlier Weather Alerts

Before the latest storm, an earlier severe thunderstorm warning, which was also in effect until 8:30 p.m., had predicted wind gusts of up to 50 mph. At 7:52 p.m., Doppler radar was tracking thunderstorms moving swiftly from near Evergreen to Loris, advancing eastward at 50 mph. This earlier alert covered a wide range of communities, including Chadbourn, Whiteville, and Tabor City.

Lightning and Hydroplaning Concerns

Residents should keep in mind that lightning strikes the U.S. an astonishing 25 million times a year, particularly during the summer months. More importantly, these storms are responsible for around 20 fatalities annually. As the thunderstorm approaches, the risk of lightning increases, peaking when the storm is overhead, before tapering off once it’s moved on.

Also, be cautious while on the road! Hydroplaning can become a serious issue during these wet and stormy conditions. It occurs when water builds up on the road too quickly for the vehicle’s weight to displace it. This can create a dangerous layer of water between your tires and the pavement, making your vehicle slide uncontrollably. Hydroplaning is influenced by the amount of water on the road, the condition of your tires, and, of course, your speed.

How You Can Help

If you experience hail or wind damage as the storm rolls through, you’re encouraged to report it to the National Weather Service office in Wilmington via their hotline at 1-800-697-3901. Sharing this information helps keep the community aware and may assist in responding to potential issues effectively.

Stay Prepared

As the severe thunderstorm watch remains active until 10 p.m. for southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina, residents are urged to stay informed and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety. After all, Mother Nature can be unpredictable, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Let’s hope this storm passes swiftly and everyone remains safe during this wild weather!

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Additional Resources

• The State
• Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
• Myrtle Beach Online
• Google Search: Severe Thunderstorm Preparation
• Myrtle Beach Online
• Google Scholar: Impact of Thunderstorms
• Myrtle Beach Online
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning
• Myrtle Beach Online
• Google News: Thunderstorm Alerts