Myrtle Beach Struggles with Damage and Disruption Following Tropical Storm Helene

Myrtle Beach Faces Storm Aftermath from Tropical Storm Helene

Myrtle Beach has been feeling the effects of strong winds and heavy rainfall courtesy of Tropical Storm Helene, and it’s been quite a rollercoaster. While some of us were expecting just a little rain for a cozy afternoon at home, it looks like our plans got swept away with the storm! As the bands of the storm have swept through, downed trees, flooded roads, and power outages have become a reality for many.

If you or someone around you is in immediate danger, don’t hesitate—call 911 right away! Safety first, right? But if the immediate storm craziness calms down and you’re left dealing with the aftermath, we’ve got some handy resources to help you out.

Need to Report Road Issues? Start with 511

The first place to call if you’re faced with issues like a tree in the street or intense flooding is the South Carolina Department of Transportation at 511. This hotline is more than just a resource for traffic; it puts your issues on the radar of multiple agencies. “Reaching out to 511 will help ensure all the right folks are notified,” says Thomas Bell from the Horry County Emergency Management Department. Plus, you can stay updated on the latest traffic and road closures.

County and City Services to Keep in Mind

If you run into any problems on county roads, don’t forget about the Horry County Department of Public Works at 843-915-5410. Bell suggests starting with the SCDOT before reaching out to county services to keep things organized.

Are you dealing with drainage issues, like flooded roads or ditches? The Horry County Stormwater Department is ready to take your call at 843-381-8000. It’s important to keep our stormwater systems working smoothly after all that rain!

If there’s been a fallen tree incident that has just caused property damage, reach out to the Horry County Police non-emergency number at 843-248-1520. This is especially helpful if you need to file a report for insurance reasons. But remember, if a tree has fallen on your house, do not hesitate—get right back to 911.

Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach Residents

For those of you in the heart of Myrtle Beach, the local Department of Public Works can be reached at 843-915-5410. This team can help troubleshoot problems with city roads, solid waste issues, and stormwater infrastructure, but just a heads up—they’re only around from 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays. For anything that comes up on nights or weekends, contact the Myrtle Beach Police non-emergency number at 843-918-1382.

North Myrtle Beach folks, you are not left out! If you encounter downed trees, flooding, or other storm-related issues, reach out to the North Myrtle Beach Police non-emergency number at 843-280-5511.

Power Outages and Utility Contacts

Power outages can be a real headache during storms. A great resource for tracking outages in the area is the United States Power Outage Map. It provides real-time updates by county so you can see what’s going on. If you’re a Duke Energy Progress customer, call 800-777-9898. Horry Electric Cooperative can be reached at 843-369-2211. If you are with Santee Cooper, don’t hesitate to call 800-804-7424.

Stay safe, Myrtle Beach! After this storm, let’s keep looking out for one another, and remember, we have resources here to help us through the aftermath. With a little community spirit, we’ll bounce back in no time!