Here’s what you need to know about Hurricane Ian preparations taking place in Horry
Horry County cities and businesses and making preparations for the severe weather expected due to Hurricane Ian, which is now a near category 5 strength hurricane with wind speeds at 155 mph. Severe weather conditions are expected by late Friday in Horry County, including heavy rain, coastal flooding and gusty winds.
The City of Myrtle Beach may not allow swimming at beaches on Friday, depending on conditions.
According to Mark Kruea, City of Myrtle Beach spokesperson, there’s a possibility that the beach will be “double red-flagged” on Friday. A double red flag indicates that the water is closed to the public, and no swimming will be allowed. However, this remains only a possibility for now.
According to city officials, there are no current plans for evacuations, business, hotel closures, sand bang pick-up or any other operational changes. However, both the Parks Division and Public Works division will take steps on Thursday in preparation for the severe weather expected due to Hurricane Ian.
Here’s a list of those steps below, according to Kruea.
- Parks division will remove trash cans and recycling containers from the cities beaches
- The lake levels at Grand Park will be lowered for extra storage capacity for expected rainfall
- Checking the drainage system and removing debris that might prevent water from flowing
- Topping off generators and ensuring they work properly
- Fuel tanks have been topped off at the Vehicle Maintenance division
- Crews will be on standby to respond to spot flooding and downed trees
Right now, the City of Myrtle Beach is recommending residents join an emergency alert system that allows you to choose between weather, beach safety, public safety and other general alerts.
Surfside Beach removes light pole banners and lowers water levels
According to Robert Blomquist, Surfside Beach spokesperson, the Public Works Department began removing banners from light pools on Monday and is lowering water levels at the town’s two largest lakes, Dogwood Lake and Lake Elizabeth. The lowering of the lakes will create more capacity for stormwater runoff.
“While the path of Hurricane Ian is still unclear, this is a good reminder for area residents to plan and prepare. Look for and secure any loose items on your property that could be thrown by the wind,” Blomquist said in a press release.
Waccamaw Management is urging homeowners and residents to prepare for weather
Waccamaw Management, a property management company in Myrtle Beach, sent residents a notice Wednesday morning about the expected weather this weekend.
The team stated that they were working on the following:
- Clearing drainage systems, storm drains, and removal of debris
- Safe storage of furniture,
- pool equipment, and “possible flying debris”
- Establishing contact with emergency operation centers
“Since we have river communities, lower communities and communities that are there on the ocean front, we try to make sure that each of those particular issues are addressed and that we are aware of their particular vulnerability,” Steven Goldfinch, vice president of Waccamaw Management, said.
Santee Cooper moves into a new alert status
Major South Carolina utility provider Santee Cooper went to Operating Condition 2 alert status on Wednesday.
“This means a threat to Santee Cooper’s electric system is imminent or has occurred, but effects are limited or still uncertain,” according to the press release.
Santee Cooper, a major utility provider in Horry County, are “prepared for the anticipated effects that Hurricane Ian may have on Santee Cooper’s service territory,” according to a press release.
About 2 million residents in South Carolina depend on the state-owned electric and water utility as their power source. Isolated power outages are expected during the weekend, according to the latest weather briefing from the National Weather Service.