Myrtle Beach Prepares for Impact as Tropical Storm Helene Approaches

Myrtle Beach Bracing for Tropical Storm Helene

Hey Myrtle Beach! Grab your umbrellas and batten down the hatches, because we’re in for a bit of a wild ride this coming Monday. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a tropical storm warning for our beautiful area, as a tropical cyclone is gearing up to bring some serious winds and rain our way. This is no typical summer shower, folks; we’re talking wind gusts that could reach up to 55 mph!

What You Need to Know

So what does this all mean for us? Well, starting tonight, May 28, the storm could form into Tropical Storm Helene. As it makes its way to our shores, we can expect heavy rain and strong wind gusts that could cause a few hiccups in our day. The exact path of this storm is still a bit of a guessing game, but it looks like it will likely make landfall somewhere between the Grand Strand and Wilmington.

The NWS has cautioned that even if this system doesn’t officially turn tropical, we’re still at risk for some pretty tough weather. That means localized heavy rain, strong gusts, and possibly even some coastal flooding. So, if you’ve been thinking about hitting the beach this weekend, it might be wise to reconsider your plans.

Rain, Wind, and More Rain

Expect to see around four to six inches of rain in parts of Horry County as this storm sweeps through. And let’s not forget about those high tides; a little minor coastal flooding could pop up during each high tide, so keep an eye on that if you live near the waterfront.

Oh, and here’s something to keep in mind: isolated tornadoes are a possibility, particularly on Monday, so stay alert. The storm is expected to be out of our hair by that evening, so we just have to hunker down for a little while.

SCHOOL CLOSURES AND E-LEARNING

In light of the incoming storm, Horry County Schools have made the decision to close on Monday. Students will be having an eLearning day instead, so make sure they’re ready to hit the virtual books instead of the classroom! All extracurricular activities for Monday have been rescheduled, ensuring our kids stay safe while they get their learning on from home.

Another local institution, Horry Georgetown Technical College, is also shutting down operations for Monday. Here’s hoping everyone can make the best out of this situation and maybe catch up on some Netflix or dive into a good book while the winds are howling outside!

Stay Safe, Myrtle Beach!

As we gear up for whatever Tropical Storm Helene throws our way, please make sure to stay updated on the latest forecasts. Remember to check in with friends and loved ones and make sure everyone is prepped and ready for what’s to come. You can always find a silver lining, though—great storms like this can be the perfect excuse for a cozy day indoors.

So there you have it, Myrtle Beach! Stay safe, stay alert, and let’s weather this storm together!