Myrtle Beach Transformed by Rare Winter Storm

Categories: Breaking NewsDisastersHealthNews

A snowy beach scene in Myrtle Beach during winter storm

News Summary

Myrtle Beach recently experienced an unexpected winter storm that blanketed the area in snow, marking the most significant snowfall in 25 years. Residents faced hazardous travel conditions and power outages due to icy conditions, but many embraced the beautiful winter landscape. Schools and local services were temporarily halted, with Horry County declaring a local state of emergency. Despite the challenges, the snowfall turned the usual coastal views into a picturesque winter wonderland.

An Unforgettable Winter Wonderland in Myrtle Beach!

Oh, Myrtle Beach! Known for its sunny beaches and warm weather, this coastal gem surprised everyone with a rare winter storm that blanketed the area in snow. Yes, you heard that right! Early Thursday afternoon, the beautiful Myrtle Beach area began to see a light dusting of snow, turning ordinary scenes into winter wonderlands.

A Splash of Snow in The Air

The snowflakes began to gently drift down in areas like Market Common and Surfside Beach. While Mark Bacon from the National Weather Service suggested that this snow shower would be brief and might not leave much behind, it didn’t stop residents from gearing up for what was unfolding. And if you’re wondering about the heavier snowfall, it was reported heading north of Coastal Carolina University.

Traveling Challenges

However, the excitement came with a couple of bumps. On Thursday morning, residents faced hazardous travel conditions from ice accumulation, including tricky black ice that formed due to freezing rain and chilly temperatures. Horry County was under a winter weather advisory until 10 a.m. and a cold weather advisory for the night. With temperatures hanging around a frosty 28 degrees in the morning, things looked a bit dicey for anyone trying to navigate the roads.

Power Outages and Emergency Declarations

28,000 residents found themselves without power Thursday morning due to a vehicle striking a utility pole near Myrtle Beach International Airport. Thankfully, crews quickly restored power, but not before community members faced the chill with uneasiness. Ice accumulations from the freezing rain, expected to total a few hundredths of an inch, made the conditions feel even colder—especially with wind chills dipping down to 10 to 15 degrees.

Snowfall That Made History

25 years, with total accumulations reaching up to 4.5 inches. This snowfall is hailed as the fifth largest in the recorded history of Myrtle Beach! Other areas in the Grand Strand didn’t hold back either, with places like Carolina Forest, Loris, and Longs receiving over six inches of that fluffy powder. Even the towns of Aynor, Conway, and Socastee reported impressive totals of 5.5 inches.

Residents Embrace the Snow

Staying Warm and Safe

Schools and Services Halted

eLearning days, while parks and recreational programs also saw temporary halts. With North Myrtle Beach transitioning to OPCON 2 to manage storm-related efforts, the community continues to come together during this unusual winter spell.