Extreme winter weather is headed for the Myrtle Beach area. What to know
Extreme winter weather is headed to the Grand Strand, with dangerously cold temperatures expected.
In a Wednesday briefing, the National Weather Service expressed high confidence that a winter weather event would occur over the weekend, with significant ice and sleet accumulation possible. However, details on precipitation types and timing remain uncertain. The primary safety concern with the storm is ice accumulation, which is expected to be at its worst late Saturday into Sunday.
Weather service meteorologist Jordan Baker said that the last times the region saw comparable weather events were in February 2014 and February 2015. During both of these events, the Myrtle Beach area saw ice buildup of up to 0.25 inches.
However, Baker said this coming weather event would “be a little bit unique,” as freezing temperatures following initial precipitation will mean the ice doesn’t go anywhere for several days. He said that the concern with this event doesn’t just come from the precipitation itself, but from the lingering cold and iciness.
Weather forecast includes freezing rain, sleet, cold air
On Friday, the Myrtle Beach area will likely see light rain, transitioning into a wintry mix on Saturday, according to the weather service. Moving into the next week, dangerously cold temperatures will lead to near record lows on Monday night.
The area will most likely see sleet and freezing rain, with dangerously cold air lingering into the next week, according to the briefing. The weather service expressed low confidence on exactly how much sleet and ice accumulation there would be. Additionally, if initial arctic air is not as strong along the coast, it could mean more cold rain as opposed to freezing rain.
Snow remains unlikely, though precipitation may start out as snow flurries, according to Baker.
Hazardous travel conditions, possible power outages
Travel is expected to be at its most hazardous from Saturday night through Monday night, according to the weather service. The icy precipitation could also cause power outages on Saturday and Sunday.
Baker explained that power outages are a concern during events with freezing rain, because it often means ice building up on elevated surfaces such as tree branches and power lines.
Dangerously cold temperatures are projected to stay in the area from Sunday through Tuesday, with temperatures well below what is normal. Temperatures will be most dangerous at night, and the weather service advises that frostbite and hypothermia could occur if people are exposed to the chill without proper protection.
Staying safe when wintry weather arrives on the Grand Strand
The weather service recommends wearing three or more upper layers during the extremely cold period — one of which should be insulating. Additionally, it recommends two layers of pants, a warm hat and face covering, warm gloves, waterproof boots, and an outer layer that keeps out wind.
During hazardous travel times, the weather service suggests keeping essentials such as phone chargers, spare tires, jumper cables, extra gas, warm clothes, flashlights, snacks, blankets, snow removal tools and even sand or kitty litter for ice in vehicles.
While driving in hazardous conditions, the weather service recommends clearing off vehicles ahead of time, driving slowly and keeping a good distance from other vehicles.
This story was originally published January 21, 2026 at 9:56 AM.
