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Winter Wonderland Hits Myrtle Beach

News Summary

Residents of Myrtle Beach were greeted with an unexpected winter wonderland as snowfall blanketed the area on Wednesday. With totals reaching up to 5.5 inches, this winter event marks the highest snowfall in over a decade. Though enticing, the National Weather Service issued warnings for hazardous driving conditions. Local services have been impacted, with school activities canceled and facilities closed. As temperatures drop, emergency preparedness measures are in place to ensure community safety during this rare weather phenomenon.

Winter Wonderland Hits Myrtle Beach

Wake up, Myrtle Beach! Residents in northeast South Carolina and coastal North Carolina greeted an unusual sight early Wednesday morning: a beautiful blanket of snow! It’s a sight not often seen in this sunny locale, and many were surprised to see what felt like a winter wonderland right outside their windows.

Snowfall Totals Surged

Reports indicate that some areas received a whopping 5.5 inches of snow, with Myrtle Beach leading the charge. North Myrtle Beach wasn’t far behind, collecting around 3.8 inches of the fluffy stuff. It’s hard to believe, but this is the highest snowfall recorded in the region in at least a decade! Dust off those snow boots and warm up the hot cocoa because this is a day to remember!

Driving Dangers and Warnings

However, it’s not all fun and snowball fights. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wilmington, NC is warning folks about dangerous driving conditions that could last through Thursday morning. With icy roads and some treacherous slush still lurking, local law enforcement in Horry County is advising residents to stay off the roads and stay comfy indoors during the coldest times. Better to be safe than sorry!

Local Services Affected

In light of the winter weather, city facilities are closed, and citizens are encouraged to limit unnecessary travel. If you were hoping to get rid of that trash, you might have to wait a little longer. Trash collection will see modifications, with extra staff on deck this Friday. However, residents west of the Intracoastal Waterway should brace themselves for some potential delays.

If you had plans to serve jury duty at Myrtle Beach’s municipal court, you’re in luck! That has been canceled for the rest of the week. As for students, Horry-Georgetown Technical College is going online starting January 23 due to the road conditions. This means that people will need to stay cozy at home with their laptops instead of trudging through the snow.

School and Extracurricular Changes

In another turn of events, all Horry County Schools are transitioning to an eLearning day on January 23, and all extracurricular activities have been canceled due to concerns about icy roadways. It’s a great time to catch up on those online assignments while staying warm!

Temperature Drops and Ongoing Precautions

As temperatures are expected to plummet, a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect, with chilly degrees dropping to between 5 and 15, factoring in a biting wind chill. Travel conditions are expected to remain hazardous as the freeze lingers, leading to more icy spots that could catch you off guard. Local governments in Horry County, including both Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, have declared an OPCON 2 status, which means they are in a heightened state of emergency preparedness. It’s serious business out there!

A Historical Snowfall Event

Did you know the last significant snowfall in Myrtle Beach was back in 2000? That makes this current storm even more of a notable event in recent history. You might want to snap a few pictures of the snowy scenery before it melts away!

Protect Your Loved Ones

As we cozy up and enjoy our snow days, don’t forget to check in on your friends, family, pets, and even those beloved plants. Make sure everyone is safe and warm during this exceptional chill in the air. Whether it’s helping a neighbor cope with the cold or just snuggling on the couch, it’s all about looking after each other during this winter wonderland week!