Update: Heavy rain, strong winds to affect Myrtle Beach SC area beaches over long weekend

A strong coastal low will bring significant marine, wind and rain that will impact Memorial Day weekend in the Myrtle Beach area, according to the latest National Weather Service briefing.

Total rainfall is expected to be around 4-6 inches along the coast, and up to 6-8 inches near the immediate coast, according to the latest briefing.

Gusts up to 45 mph are possible along the coast, and gale force winds are expected. Rough surf, dangerous rip currents, and surf heights greater than 6 feet are likely all throughout the weekend.

Military Appreciation parade in Valor Park canceled

The Military Appreciation Day Parade in Valor Park put on by the Chamber of Commerce has been canceled. The event was supposed to kick off at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Market Common area.

Myrtle Beach beaches expected to be double-red flagged

The city of Myrtle Beach’s Beach Services is expected to double-red flag the beach for Friday and Saturday, meaning the water is closed for swimming due to dangerous conditions. However, that decision is not official, Emergency Services Travis Glatki stated in an email Thursday.

You can check the status of swimming advisories for any beach in South Carolina on the S.C. Beach Access website.

Sunday and Monday will be more of a “wait and see approach,” he said.

The city will also be staging equipment throughout the area in case any flooding or ocean rescue incidents occur, Glatki said.

The expected heavy rainfall could lead to hazardous travel and minor flooding, according to the National Weather Service brief.

The weather comes ahead of when thousands are expected to come into the Myrtle Beach area for the holiday and Atlantic Beach’s Bike Week, which happens May 26 through 29.

Bad weather put a damper on Spring Bike Week last weekend too, with showers on Friday and Sunday.

This story was originally published May 26, 2023 at 9:50 AM.