Tropical Storm Bertha has formed off SC. Here’s what that means for the Myrtle Beach area
The Myrtle Beach area should expect up to 35 mph winds and strong rip currents as Tropical Storm Bertha has formed off the South Carolina coast, forecasters say.
The storm was expected to make landfall late Wednesday morning, said Meteorologist Ed Piotrowski with news partner WPDE. Bertha could bring up to three inches of rainfall to the area, Piotrowski said.
A rip current statement is in effect through Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service. Dangerous rip currents are expected in Horry and Georgetown counties.
It’s possible rainfall could lead to localized flooding, said Steve Pfaff with the National Weather Service in Wilmington.
“We anticipate impacts to be an increased flood threat from periods of heavy rain as bands move onshore …,” he said.
As the storm moves onto shore, there is potential for gusty winds and isolated tornado risk with any rain bands that move onshore, Pfaff said.
The Grand Strand is not under a tropical storm warning as of 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. Horry County is under a flash flood watch through 6 a.m. Thursday.
Thunderstorms and rain are forecast for the remainder of the week, according to the NWS. Forecasters are calling for a 60 percent chance of rain Thursday and 70 percent chance of thunderstorms Friday and Saturday.
This story was originally published May 27, 2020 at 8:33 AM.
