Myrtle Beach Braces for Severe Thunderstorm Alerts

News Summary

Myrtle Beach residents and visitors are on high alert as the National Weather Service issues severe thunderstorm warnings. Marble-sized hail and winds up to 40 mph are expected. Thunderstorms tracking through the area might lead to local flooding as additional alerts are issued throughout the day, including a Tornado Watch for part of South Carolina. Safety measures have been advised, especially for those outdoors and while driving.

Myrtle Beach Braces for Severe Thunderstorm Alerts with Hail and Strong Winds

It’s time for folks in Myrtle Beach to batten down the hatches! The National Weather Service (NWS) Wilmington has issued storm alerts that have residents and visitors alike on high alert. As of Monday at 12:53 p.m., a strong thunderstorm has been tracking through the area, causing potential thunderstorms until 1:15 p.m.

So what can we expect? Well, prepare for some wild weather! These storms are forecasted to drop some marble-sized hail measuring about 0.5 inches and bring along gusts of wind reaching up to 40 mph. Imagine those little hailstones bouncing off your car or roof—definitely not a picnic!

Where is the Storm Heading?

The Doppler radar is buzzing with activity, pinpointing the thunderstorm right over the Barefoot Landing Area in North Myrtle Beach. The storm is moving eastward at a brisk 25 mph, so it won’t linger for too long, but it’s potent enough to make its presence felt across several locations, including:

• Briarcliffe Acres
• Atlantic Beach
• Grand Strand Regional Medical Center
• North Myrtle Beach Airport
• Barefoot Landing Area
• Nixonville
• Hand
• North Myrtle Beach
• Myrtle Beach

If you’re outdoors, the NWS strongly advises seeking shelter inside a building. Remember, being inside is your safest bet when a thunderstorm rolls in!

Lightning and Hydroplaning: What You Need to Know

Did you know that lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year? And most of these dramatic flashes happen during summer storms. Unfortunately, around 20 people lose their lives annually due to lightning strikes. So, when the storm is approaching, that’s your cue to get indoors!

Now, while we’re focused on thunder and lightning, let’s not forget about driving safety. Rain can lead to what’s called hydroplaning, which is when your vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads. Ensure your tires are in good condition and avoid driving through flooded areas to keep yourself safe!

Further Storm Updates

Expect to see impacts in locations such as:

• Makatoka
• Exum
• Longwood
• Seaside
• Bald Head Island
• Little River
• Atlantic Beach
• Other communities in Northern Horry County

Residents are again reminded to avoid driving through flooded roadways as conditions can change rapidly. Safety first!

Tornado Watch Update

In addition to the thunderstorms, a Tornado Watch has been issued for central South Carolina until 2 p.m. That said, the storm that previously caused a warning has weakened and has now moved out of the area, so there’s a bit of silver lining amidst the storm clouds.

Keep an eye on the weather, stay informed, and remember to put safety at the forefront. Myrtle Beach may be known for its sunny skies and beach days, but today is a reminder of Mother Nature’s unpredictable side!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Hilton Head and Beaufort County Brace for Severe Thunderstorms
Severe Thunderstorms to Affect Hilton Head This Sunday
Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Charleston Residents
Beaufort Faces Severe Weather Alerts with Tornado Watches Issued
Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Warnings in Columbia and Lexington County
Myrtle Beach Wildfires Prompt Evacuations and State of Emergency
Fire Fury in Myrtle Beach: Carolina Forest Wildfire Rages On
Wildfires Rage Across South Carolina, Emergency Declared
Beaufort County Prepares for Cold Weather: What You Need to Know
Myrtle Beach on High Alert as Severe Weather Approaches

Additional Resources

• Myrtle Beach Online
• Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
• Island Packet
• Google Search: Myrtle Beach weather
• WMBF News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
• MSN Weather
• Google Scholar: Severe thunderstorms
• The Weather Channel
• Google News: Thunderstorms in Myrtle Beach

Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD

The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.