Update: Storm threat weakening; Horry County back at OPCON 5
High winds blew across Horry and Georgetown counties and surrounding areas as expected Wednesday, but the threat of severe weather, which canceled schools, weakened by the afternoon, and both counties shifted back to normal operating levels.
“The risk for severe weather continues but has diminished,” said Steve Pfaff, , meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wilmington, N.C. “This trend will continue as we lose the heating of the day. Strong winds gusts continue to be the primary threat...”
The threat of severe weather from the first round of storms lifted across eastern North Carolina by early Wednesday afternoon. Another band of strong to severe thunderstorms was expected to approach from the west, but didn’t cause any major damage.
Pfaff said late Wednesday that the line of storms affecting portions of the Pee Dee area had slowed in its eastern progression. Originally, the line of storms was expected to shift toward the coastal areas by the late afternoon and early evening, but the line could largely dissipate after sunset with storms primarily continuing across eastern North Carolina longer into the evening.
A wind advisory was still in place Wednesday afternoon and in effect until 8 p.m., weather authorities said.
The threat of the storm closed schools in Horry and Georgetown counties Wednesday, and close the Brunswick, N.C., government complex early.
“A gust to 53 mph was recorded at the Wilmington International Airport earlier [Wednesday] afternoon,” Pfaff said. “Many other gusts in the 40-50 mph range were observed [Wednesday].”
Even outside severe storms, wind gusts will be strong and could cause scattered power outage issues and trees, rooted in rain-soaked ground, could topple. Authorities advised residents to secure outdoor objects and to be cautious while driving as wind could affect motorists, especially in high-profile vehicles.
Horry county officials shifted to operating conditions level 4 as the threat of severe weather loomed Wednesday morning, but moved back to OPCON 5 by about 3 p.m. as the threat weakened.
“OPCON 4 puts Horry County on alert status, which means that county officials have begun discussions with South Carolina Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, and other coastal communities,” said Lisa Bourcier, spokeswoman for Horry County, in a press release. “Horry County will continue to monitor the storm closely and review all operational plans.”
While some areas received heavy rainfall, widespread flooding is not expected.
City of Conway officials opened a shelter ahead of the storm at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at Collins Park Building at 1001 16th Avenue, and it will be open until 8 a.m. Thursday, officials said.
Elizabeth Townsend: 843-626-0217, @TSN_etownsend
Safety Tips
Horry County Emergency Management Department severe weather and high wind safety tips:
• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
• Postpone outdoor activities.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
• Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.
If you are caught outside during high winds:
• Take cover next to a building or under a secure shelter.
• Stand clear of roadways as a gust may blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
• Watch for flying debris. Tree limbs may break and street signs may come loose during strong winds.
If you are driving:
• Keep both hands on the wheel and slow down.
• Watch for objects blowing across the roadway and into your path.
• Keep a safe distance from cars in adjacent lanes, as strong gusts could push a car outside its lane of travel.
• Take extra care in a high-profile vehicle such as trucks, vans, SUVs, or when towing a trailer, as these are more prone to being pushed or flipped by high wind gusts.
• If winds are severe enough to prevent safe driving, safely pull over onto the shoulder of the road and stop, making sure you are away from trees or other tall objects that could fall onto your vehicle.
This story was originally published February 24, 2016 at 9:42 AM with the headline "Update: Storm threat weakening; Horry County back at OPCON 5."