Severe Weather Hits Myrtle Beach: Showers and Winds Expected

News Summary

Residents of Myrtle Beach and Central South Carolina should prepare for gusty winds and showers as the National Weather Service issues alerts. Winds may reach up to 40 mph with the potential for thunderstorms and even a tornado watch in effect. Stay informed and secure your surroundings as conditions may lead to hazardous situations.

Weather Alert: Breezy Showers and Thunderstorms Hit Myrtle Beach!

If you live in Myrtle Beach or Central South Carolina, it’s time to grab your umbrellas and hold onto your hats! The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an updated weather report that highlights some gusty conditions expected in the area. The warning came through at precisely 12:01 p.m. on Sunday, and it’s essential to stay updated on what’s happening outside.

Expected Showers and Wind Gusts

For those in the Myrtle Beach area, *gusty showers* are anticipated to stick around until about 1:30 p.m. today. That means you might want to stay indoors for a bit if you can! Winds are expected to whip up to 40 mph, which could lead to some messy conditions. As of noon, Doppler radar was tracking showers stretching roughly from Shannon, moving east near Mullins, and reaching close to Hampton Plantation State Park. The overall movement of these showers is heading southeast at a quick pace of about 45 mph.

Keep Your Surroundings Safe

With winds this strong, it’s a good idea to be mindful of your surroundings. Strong gusts could very well knock down tree limbs or send unsecured items flying—so it’s best to secure anything that might blow away. The areas affected by today’s alert include:

Myrtle Beach
Lumberton
Conway
North Myrtle Beach
Georgetown
And several other neighborhoods and towns

Don’t forget that this alert also extends to parts of Interstate 95 in North Carolina, between mile markers 10 and 38. Stay alert if you’re on the road!

Severe Thunderstorm Watch In Effect

Attention, residents! A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in place until 5 p.m. for southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. If you are outdoors, it’s highly recommended to seek shelter inside a building. Pro Tip: If you run into flooded roads, don’t hesitate to make a U-turn. Flash floods can be deceptively strong, capable of carrying away vehicles and causing severe damage.

Understanding Hydroplaning

Make sure to keep the roads safe while driving. Hydroplaning can occur when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads due to water accumulation. This situation can lead to loss of control, and it is usually caused by a combination of water depth, speed, and tire conditions.

Strong Thunderstorm Alerts from Central South Carolina

50 mph. Doppler radar showed significant storms moving in from near St. Matthews to nearby Lodge, with these storms racing east at 50 mph. So, buckle up, folks!

Key areas affected include:

Orangeburg
Manning
Brookdale
And plenty more!

Highways like Interstate 26 and Interstate 95 are also included in this alert, so drive safely if you’re in these regions.

A Tornado Watch? Yes, You Heard Right!

As if that wasn’t enough, a Tornado Watch is in effect until 1 p.m. for central South Carolina. With the summer months being notorious for electrical storms, remember that lightning strikes the U.S. approximately 25 million times every year—most often during this season. The risk of lightning heightens significantly as a storm approaches, peaking when it is directly overhead.

So, whether you’re cozying up at home, planning your afternoon activities, or driving around town, stay vigilant and ready to take action when needed. This weather won’t last forever, but for now, keeping safety in mind is the best strategy!