Here’s what Myrtle Beach can expect as Hurricane Erin roars through the Atlantic, forecasts say

As Hurricane Erin moves along the East Coast, the National Weather Service predicts the Myrtle Beach area will see life-threatening rip currents, dangerous surf and minor coastal flooding.

“In terms of land impacts, the rain chances are really low. [There’s] only about a 30% chance of rain on Wednesday, but the main impact is still going to be dangerous rip currents and as well as marine impacts with high seas,” said NWS meteorologist Matthew Scalora.

Currently located east of the Bahamas, Hurricane Erin is projected to move northwest across the Atlantic before turning and curving along the East Coast.

The Category 4 hurricane isn’t expected to make landfall in South Carolina or bring storm winds and rains. However, coastal impacts are expected in the Grand Strand until the weekend.

Hurricane Erin will likely stir up dangerous swimming conditions, with deadly rip currents along the coast Tuesday through Friday, and especially high surf Tuesday through Thursday. For those who want to brave the waves, experts recommend swimming with others in areas supervised by lifeguards.

The ocean can be dangerous even in calm weather. In Myrtle Beach, red flags warn visitors of hazards like high surf and strong currents, while double flags indicate that the water is closed to the public.

“Definitely heed the lifeguards if they have red flags up,” Scalora said. “We have a high risk of rip currents, so dangerous swimming conditions, and then surf heights are going to be high as well, up to 4 to 7 feet.”

Minor coastal flooding is likely, particularly in the high tides on Wednesday and Thursday evening, but the NWS doesn’t predict Hurricane Erin will bring river flooding around the Grand Strand.

Coastal conditions should ease by the weekend, but some risks to swimmers could persist.

“There could be some residual rip currents, but for the most part, the main rip current risk is Tuesday through Thursday, and then the coastal flooding is Wednesday evening and Thursday evening,” said Scalora.

This story was originally published August 19, 2025 at 5:30 AM.