News Summary
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas, including Marlboro, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, and Marion counties. The National Weather Service warns of strong winds up to 50 mph, lightning risks, and advises residents to stay indoors and prepare for hazardous conditions until 9 PM. Additional warnings were issued for nearby counties, emphasizing the need for caution as storms develop. Residents are urged to secure loose items and monitor local weather updates for safety.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Myrtle Beach and Surrounding Areas
If you’re in Myrtle Beach or nearby areas, brace yourselves! A severe thunderstorm warning has just been issued, and it’s no joke. The National Weather Service (NWS) Wilmington, NC, sent out the alert at around 8:31 PM on Thursday, warning that strong storms are on their way. The warning includes not just Myrtle Beach, but also Marlboro, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, and Marion counties.
What to Expect
So, what can you expect from this storm? Get ready for some **really strong wind gusts**, potentially reaching up to 50 mph. That’s right, folks! This isn’t just a light breeze; gusty winds have the ability to take down tree limbs and send any unsecured objects flying. Make sure to secure anything that could get tossed around!
Doppler radar has been keeping an eye on the situation and has tracked these intense thunderstorms stretching from near Claussen to Green Sea. These storms are moving north at a brisk speed of 20 mph, making it essential for residents to stay alert.
Areas Impacted
If you live in locations like Florence, Marion, Dillon, Mullins, Latta, or Quinby, you’re in the storm’s path. Other areas experiencing potential impacts include Lake View, Sellers, Fork, Blue Brick, Zion, Mars Bluff, Brownsville, Gapway, Oak Grove, Francis Marion University, Bingham, Floydale, Mechanicsville, and Smithboro. It’s crucial that residents in these areas remain cautious and prepared.
The warning doesn’t stop at the county line; it extends onto Interstate 95 in South Carolina between mile markers 164 and 194, so if you plan on taking a trip this evening, keep that in mind!
Safety First
So, what should you do? Well, the best advice is to seek shelter if you’re outdoors. Storms can intensify quickly, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’re inside, now’s the time to grab a cozy spot indoors and turn on your local radio or television for real-time updates. Stay tuned to the weather and be prepared for anything!
Additional Alerts
And just when you thought it couldn’t get weirder, the NWS issued a separate severe thunderstorm warning at about 6:15 PM for Calhoun, Clarendon, and Orangeburg counties. That storm had wind gusts of up to 60 mph and was also moving east at 25 mph. So, if you know anyone in those areas, it’s time to check in and make sure they’re taking precautions, too!
Know the Risks
It’s worth noting that thunderstorms bring more than just strong winds. Reported lightning strikes in the United States average around 25 million each year, with about 20 fatalities annually from these dangerous occurrences. As storms approach, the likelihood of lightning increases sharply, peaking when the storm is directly overhead. Remember, safety comes first!
Plus, if you’re driving during these wet conditions, be careful of hydroplaning. This occurs when your vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads due to water accumulating in front of the tires. Factors like speed, tire pressure, and tread depth contribute to the risk of hydroplaning, so keep your vehicle’s maintenance in mind.
Stay Safe
In summary, Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas are under a severe thunderstorm warning until 9 PM. Time to prepare and stay informed—better safe than sorry! Stay indoors, keep an eye on the weather updates, and we’ll get through this storm together!
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online: Severe Weather Alert
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- WXII12: Beach Weather Update
- Google Search: Severe Weather Precautions
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News Update
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm Warning
- Myrtle Beach Online: Weather Alerts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather Safety
- Myrtle Beach Online: Storm Safety Tips
- Google News: Myrtle Beach Weather

Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER 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.