News Summary
Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas are under a severe thunderstorm warning from the National Weather Service. Strong winds and lightning pose significant risks, urging residents to seek shelter. The latest alert warns of gusts reaching 40 mph and potential flooding. With a history of severe storms, safety precautions are paramount. Community support is evident as city officials work to replace damaged military tribute banners. Residents are advised to stay indoors and be cautious while driving, as conditions may lead to hydroplaning.
Myrtle Beach Residents on Alert for Thunderstorms
It seems like the weather has taken a little wild turn recently in Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas, as the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wilmington, NC, has rolled out updated warnings for some pretty strong thunderstorms looming in the vicinity. The latest alert dropped at 5:20 p.m. on Thursday, warning everyone to be vigilant until at least 6:15 p.m. So if you’re out and about, it might be time to find some shelter.
What to Expect
If you’re in the area, brace yourself for winds that could gust up to 40 mph. According to Doppler radar, there’s a strong thunderstorm hovering near Bucksport, which is moving east at about 15 mph. Keep in mind, these gusty winds might just be strong enough to bring down some tree limbs and send unsecured objects flying through the air—definitely not something you want to be in the path of!
Areas that could be affected include Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, the Myrtle Beach Airport, Socastee, Garden City, Burgess, Forestbrook, Yauhannah, Bucksport, and the Grand Strand Regional Medical Center. If you happen to be outdoors, nows the time to head inside and find some protective shelter.
A Previous Thunderstorm
Just hours earlier, around 2:02 p.m., another alert was issued for strong thunderstorms affecting Dillon and Marion counties that lasted until 2:30 p.m. This storm, located over Lake View and moving northeast at 20 mph, also brought potential for some wild weather. That storm was accompanied by torrential rainfall and a serious amount of cloud-to-ground lightning, which only heightened the chances of localized flooding and dangerous lightning strikes.
The Dangers of Lightning
Speaking of lightning, did you know that, on average, around 25 million lightning strikes occur each year in the U.S.? They sadly result in approximately 20 fatalities annually. As thunderstorms close in, your chances of getting struck by lightning considerably increase, peaking when the storm is right overhead. It’s a good reminder to stay alert and keep safe.
Stay Safe on the Roads
If you find yourself needing to drive during a thunderstorm, be aware of the risk of hydroplaning. This happens when your vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads due to water buildup. Factors like tire condition, tread depth, and how much water is on the road can play a big role in this perilous situation. If the roads are slick, it’s best to stay put until the storm passes.
Recalling Past Storms
In the past, Myrtle Beach has experienced significant weather events, including a severe thunderstorm on May 30, 2025, which caused considerable damage at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club. After that storm, about 20 to 25 trees were damaged, leaving extensive debris across the course. The cleanup was so extensive that the Dunes Club temporarily closed for safety reasons, likening the damage to that of a low-level hurricane. Now that’s some serious weather!
Community Support
In light of the recent weather, city officials in Myrtle Beach have decided to take action on another front. They announced that damaged tribute banners honoring military veterans will be replaced free of charge. It’s wonderful to see that the community is coming together even when the weather outside is turning fierce.
So as the thunder rolls in and the skies darken, keep those umbrellas handy and stay safe, Myrtle Beach! Remember, a little preparation can go a long way during these stormy spells.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Low Pressure System Brewing Off the Southeast Coast
Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Chesterfield County
South Carolina Declares State of Emergency Amid Wildfires
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Southeastern Orangeburg
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Coastal Jasper and Beaufort County
Charleston, SC Faces Severe Weather Alerts and Flooding
Severe Thunderstorm and Flood Warnings in Southeast U.S.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued in South Carolina
Severe Thunderstorm Alert in South Carolina’s Inland Jasper and Hampton County
Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- WMBF News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach weather
- Horry News
- Google Scholar: Thunderstorm safety
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thunderstorm
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google News: Myrtle Beach thunderstorm
- Myrtle Beach Online
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