12 lessons from past Myrtle Beach hurricanes

Examining the impact of past Myrtle Beach hurricanes provides critical lessons for future storm preparedness. Recurring themes include the importance of swift evacuation plans and the challenges of mitigating flooding in low-lying areas. Past hurricanes illustrate the role of storm speed in reducing flood severity, as slower storms have historically generated more rain and prolonged flooding.

Emergency management officials emphasize securing outdoor items and preparing emergency kits well in advance of storms. Tornadoes remain a persistent threat, highlighting the need for residents to understand weather alerts and seek safe shelter promptly.

The National Weather Service in Wilmington has predicted a strong storm system for southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina. The Myrtle Beach area will see strong wind gusts that could cause power outages, downed trees and possible tornadoes.

NO. 1: UPDATE: STRONG WINDS AND RISK OF TORNADOES THREATEN MYRTLE BEACH AREA. HOW TO PREPARE

Tuesday’s storm is expected to bring winds of up to 55 mph, power outages and heavy rainfall, the National Weather Service says. Residents are being told to secure outdoor furniture and decorations. | Published January 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Terri Richardson and Emalyn Muzzy

A swollen section of the Waccamaw River over Long Avenue in Conway on Aug. 31, 2023 following Tropical Storm Idalia. By Adam Benson

NO. 2: SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED ABOUT FLOODING IN HORRY COUNTY? WHY THE STORM’S SPEED MIGHT HELP

With a storm expected to hit the Myrtle Beach, SC area and broader Horry County, should residents be worried about potential flood risks? Here’s what we know | Published January 9, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ben Morse

A North Myrtle Beach lifeguard looks looks through binoculars at swimmers along Cherry Grove Beach as a red flag waves warning of dangerous conditions. June 23, 2023. By JASON LEE

NO. 3: IS IT SAFE TO SWIM IN MYRTLE BEACH, SC DURING TROPICAL STORM HELENE? HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW

The latest updates from weather experts about what the beach is looking like today in the Myrtle Beach area during the storm. | Published September 16, 2024 | Read Full Story by Elizabeth Brewer

A city employee picks up trash during Tropical Storm Debby in downtown Myrtle Beach. By Maria Elena Scott

NO. 4: WILL THE MYRTLE BEACH, SC AREA SEE MORE TROPICAL STORMS IN THE 2024 HURRICANE SEASON?

The Grand Strand has been hit by a couple of major storms this fall. Here’s what the rest of hurricane season has in store. | Published September 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Maria Elena Scott

A truck drives through flood waters created by King Tides during Tropical Storm Idalia on Aug. 29, 2023 in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. By JASON LEE

NO. 5: UPDATE: MYRTLE BEACH PUT IN TROPICAL STORM WATCH FOR HELENE. HERE’S WHAT THE FORECAST SAYS

The National Weather Service out of Wilmington, NC says this will happen once Helene makes landfall in the United States. | Published September 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Elizabeth Brewer

A couple walks through flood waters created by King Tides on Tuesday evening in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. Hurricane Idalia is expected to reach the South Carolina coast as a tropical storm but flooding may worsen in low areas. Aug. 29, 2023. By JASON LEE

NO. 6: WILL HURRICANE HELENE CAUSE FLOODING IN THE MYRTLE BEACH AREA? WHAT THE FORECAST SAYS

While Hurricane Helene isn’t expected to directly hit the Myrtle Beach area, there is a risk of flooding. Here’s what we know and what the forecast says. | Published September 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ben Morse

Hurricane Helene is expected to bring the potential of isolated tornadoes to the Grand Strand Thursday night into Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service out of Wilmington, North Carolina.

NO. 7: HURRICANE HELENE CALLS FOR POTENTIAL TORNADOES IN MYRTLE BEACH AREA AND NORTH CAROLINA

Horry County is under a tropical storm warning, according to the latest from the National Weather Service on Hurricane Helene. | Published September 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Elizabeth Brewer

Residents in the Cherry Grove area of North Myrtle Beach were feeling the affects of Hurricane Helene Friday morning. Horry County is under a tornado watch. Sept. 27, 2024 By James Lee

NO. 8: MYRTLE BEACH AREA UNDER TORNADO WARNING. WHAT RESIDENTS CAN EXPECT FROM HURRICANE HELENE

The National Weather Service has placed Horry County under a tornado warning. Residents will begin to feel the effects of Hurricane Helene as it made landfall in Florida. | Published September 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Terri Richardson

Wind whips palm trees and debris around on Ocean Boulevard in North Myrtle Beach, SC as Hurricane Helene makes it way through the Palmetto State on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. By JASON LEE

NO. 9: WHEN CAN YOU EXPECT IMPACT OF HURRICANE HELENE? A WEATHER TIMELINE FOR MYRTLE BEACH AREA

Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 level storm in Florida on Thursday night. Here’s what to expect in the Myrtle Beach area Friday morning. | Published September 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Elizabeth Brewer

People watch the affects of Hurricane Helene from the Cherry Grove beach in North Myrtle Beach on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. By James Lee

NO. 10: WATCH HURRICANE HELENE CONDITIONS FROM THESE MYRTLE BEACH SC AREA LIVE BEACH CAMS

These 23 live streams, from Little River to Pawleys Island, give you a real-time look at the Myrtle Beach area. | Published September 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jason Lee

Strong winds and waves swept through North Myrtle Beach on Friday morning as the remnants of Hurricane Helene passed through the area. People came out to experience the storms effects. Sept. 27, 2024. By JASON LEE

NO. 11: UPDATED: LATEST WEATHER FOR HELENE. TORNADO WARNING WAS ISSUED FOR MYRTLE BEACH AREA

A tornado warning was issued in these places in Myrtle Beach. The National Weather Service has given its latest report for the Myrtle Beach area. | Published September 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Elizabeth Brewer

Horry County Fire Rescue is reporting Friday downed trees and utility lines throughout Horry County because of the storm from Hurricane Helene.

NO. 12: WATCH VIDEO FROM HURRICANE HELENE STORM DAMAGE IN MYRTLE BEACH AREA. WHAT’S BEING REPORTED

On Friday morning, areas near downtown Myrtle Beach had two consecutive tornado warnings. Here’s what damage folks are reporting in their aftermath. | Published September 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Elizabeth Brewer

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.