News Summary
This past weekend, Myrtle Beach and Conway residents faced severe thunderstorms, with gusty winds up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail. The National Weather Service issued alerts warning residents to seek shelter as the storm moved northeast, impacting several areas including Horry and Bayboro. Even after initial warnings subsided, strong thunderstorms persisted into the night, raising concerns about lightning strikes and hydroplaning for drivers. These events serve as a reminder of the importance of staying prepared during unpredictable weather.
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Sound Off in Myrtle Beach and Conway!
This past weekend, folks in Myrtle Beach and Conway were reminded just how unpredictable Mother Nature can be! The National Weather Service (NWS) Wilmington NC clipped in an alert on Sunday at 6:32 p.m. warning residents about strong thunderstorms that would be rolling through until about 7:30 p.m. It looks like we were in for quite the ride!
What to Expect
As the storms approached, predictions included gusty winds reaching up to a hefty 40 mph and some pea-sized hail, measuring around 0.25 inches. At 6:31 p.m., Doppler radar detected a strong thunderstorm not too far from Horry, about 10 miles northwest of Conway, moving northeast at a speed of 10 mph. And guess what? The storm was just getting started!
Safety First!
The NWS didn’t hold back on the safety advice, urging residents to seek shelter indoors if they were outdoors – it’s always better to be safe than sorry! They warned that those gusty winds could easily knock down tree limbs and scatter unsecured items around, and that small hail could inflict minor damage to your precious garden or plants. So, if you had plans to be outside, it was a good moment to reconsider.
Storm Developments
As the storm unfolded, those in Horry, Bayboro, Green Sea, and Aynor were among the initial locations impacted by the thunderstorm alert. And if you thought the action was over after 7:30 p.m., think again! An updated report came out later at 8:53 p.m. announcing that the strong thunderstorms were sticking around until 10 p.m. for Myrtle Beach, where things were only heating up with the forecast of marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and those persistent 40 mph winds.
The Thunderstorm’s Path
By 8:52 p.m., the intense storm was tracked over Tabor City, around 14 miles southwest of Whiteville, and was whizzing northeast at a brisk 30 mph. More areas felt the brunt of those thunderstorm warnings, including Whiteville, Chadbourn, Bladenboro, and several other spots. It was clear that this storm wasn’t shy about making itself known!
Understanding Lightning and Hydroplaning
Now, let’s not forget about lightning! Did you know that about 25 million lightning strikes occur in the U.S. every single year? Most of these strikes take place during the summer months. But hold on – here’s the kicker! About 20 people lose their lives annually due to lightning strikes. So, when thunderstorms roll in, it’s essential to stay alert and protected. The risk of lightning strikes increases as the storm approaches and peaks right when the storm is overhead.
On the driving front, beware of hydroplaning! That’s when water builds up in front of your tires, causing your vehicle to slide uncontrollably on wet roads. It’s a wild ride you definitely don’t want to experience!
Elsewhere in the Region
To top it off, the NWS Columbia SC issued a separate warning for thunderstorms in Bamberg and Orangeburg counties. Although, in this case, the storms appeared to have weakened and didn’t pack quite the punch as those making waves around Myrtle Beach and Conway.
Wrapping It Up
This weekend’s severe thunderstorm alerts serve as a reminder of how vital it is to stay prepared during unpredictable weather. It’s all about keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe. So, next time a storm hits, grab a cozy blanket, settle in, and ride it out safely indoors!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Myrtle Beach Area
Severe Weather Alert for Central South Carolina – Thunderstorms on the Way!
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Spartanburg County, SC
Severe Thunderstorms Hit Spartanburg County
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued in Chesterfield County
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for Oconee Region
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for South Carolina
Brace Yourselves, Greenville! Thunderstorms Approaching
Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Hit Greenville and Nearby Counties
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for Greenville and Spartanburg
Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online: Severe Thunderstorm Alerts Sound Off in Myrtle Beach and Conway
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Herald Online: Thunderstorm Warnings in Region
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
- Myrtle Beach Online: More Thunderstorm Developments
- Google Scholar: Lightning Safety
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather Alert Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weekend Weather Recap
- Google News: Thunderstorms in Myrtle Beach
