Just how has Debby impacted downtown Myrtle Beach, SC business and tourism? See for yourself

Tropical Storm Debby didn’t stop residents, tourists and businesses in downtown Myrtle Beach Wednesday.

Although double red flags warned visitors to stay out of the water, the beach was spotted with people shelling, watching the waves and playing in the sand between bands of heavy rain.

Lack’s Beach Service trucks patrolled the shore to enforce the double red flag warnings, though one lifeguard told The Sun News they hadn’t had any issues with people trying to swim.

The Myrtle Beach Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism Department also had vehicles out to keep the beach clear amid storm winds and the city had staff picking up debris.

“We’ve made the best of it,” said Virginia tourist Lori Naveda at the beach Wednesday morning. “We’re just trying to get out and move, instead of being stuck inside.”

Other visitors hit indoor attractions in popular tourist areas like the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Broadway by the Beach to stay dry.

“We’re not in the pool as much as we want, but I think we’ve made the best out of what we were given. We’re pretty much going around inside today,” Dan O’Neill from Oak Island, North Carolina said outside Ripley’s Believe It or Not. “If they had like a hurricane [category] two or three or even a one, we’d leave but, for rain, we’re good.”

Ripley’s attractions were among many indoor businesses open Wednesday despite the tropical storm. Along the boardwalk, beach shops, restaurants and arcades welcomed visitors.

“Unless there is an actual hurricane that is going to hit anywhere near us, the owners will keep us open as long as possible … or if there was significant flooding and there was a risk of employees getting home safely,” said Gay Dolphin cashier Samantha Melbo.

Popular outdoor draws, like the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel and Family Kingdom Amusement Park, did shut down for the storm.

Although Cherry Grove and Central Horry County received more than six and seven inches of rain, respectively, the downtown area fared better with intermittent bands of heavy rainfall. Local bodies of water also filled higher than normal, but the area avoided major flooding.

This story was originally published August 8, 2024 at 5:30 AM.