News Summary
Myrtle Beach is preparing for severe thunderstorms tonight, with warnings indicating hail and winds reaching up to 40 mph. Residents are advised to take precautions as storms approach until 10 p.m. Areas including Whiteville and Tabor City are particularly affected. Safety measures recommend staying indoors to avoid wind damage and preparing for potential hail. Local authorities encourage residents to report any weather-related damage to assist in monitoring conditions.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for Myrtle Beach Area: Hail and Wind on the Horizon
The enchanting city of Myrtle Beach is bracing for some wild weather tonight, with severe thunderstorm warnings rolling in. According to reports from the NWS Wilmington NC, folks in the area need to take precautions as strong thunderstorms are expected to hit until 10 p.m. Buckle up, because it looks like our evening might get a bit bumpy!
What to Expect
Residents can expect marble-sized hail (that’s about 0.5 inches) to come crashing down, along with wind gusts reaching up to a brisk 40 mph. How does that sound for an exciting summer night? They say a strong thunderstorm is currently raging over Tabor City, which is roughly 14 miles southwest of Whiteville, moving at a swift speed of 30 mph towards the northeast.
Areas Affected
If you happen to be in or around these locations, now would be a good time to prepare: Whiteville, Tabor City, Chadbourn, Bladenboro, Hallsboro, Redbug, Mollie, Sidney, Southeastern Community College, Clarendon, Williams, Brunswick, Clarkton, and Columbus Regional Healthcare System are all in the crosshairs. Make sure you’ve got your essentials at home and your safety plans in place!
Stay Safe Indoors
Now, if you’re out and about, the NWS recommends seeking shelter inside a building. This isn’t just for your peace of mind; it’s your best bet against those gusty winds that could potentially knock down tree limbs or send unsecured objects flying. And let’s not forget about the minor hail damage that could impact plants and gardens.
The Thunderstorm Phenomenon
Did you know that around 25 million lightning strikes light up the skies in the United States every year, especially during the summer months? That’s a whole lot of electricity! In fact, these lightning strikes account for about 20 fatalities annually. The danger ramps up as a storm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly overhead. So, once you hear that rumble, it’s time to get serious about safety.
Driving Tips During Wet Weather
If you must venture out and encounter rain, you might want to be cautious about hydroplaning. This occurs when a vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on wet roads due to water buildup. Essentially, the water pressure can lift the vehicle, causing it to lose grip. It’s a nerve-wracking situation, so drive carefully if the rain picks up!
Looking Back
Earlier on Sunday, the Myrtle Beach area faced severe thunderstorm warnings with wind gusts that could soar up to 60 mph. A strong storm was also seen over Little River, moving northeast at 45 mph. Many localities such as North Myrtle Beach, Leland, Shallotte, and Little River experienced the brunt of it. Residents were encouraged to find a safe spot in an interior room on the lowest floor of their buildings. Better safe than sorry!
Report Damage
If you happen to witness any hail or wind damage, remember, you can report it to the National Weather Service office in Wilmington at 1-800-697-3901. They’d surely appreciate your help in tracking weather conditions.
Now, with the weather shaking things up, let’s stay cautious! Stay indoors, stay safe, and we’ll ride through this storm together!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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
Severe Thunderstorms Cause Chaos in Southeastern States
Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for Myrtle Beach Area
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Herald Online: Weather Update
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Safety
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather Alert
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Impact
- Myrtle Beach Online: Severe Thunderstorm Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local Weather News
- Google News: Severe Thunderstorm Alerts
