Myrtle Beach Braces for Tropical Storm Debby: Tornado Watch, State of Emergency Declared, and Flight Disruptions Expected

Myrtle Beach in the Path of Encroaching Tornado Watch

Myrtle Beach, S.C. – The Grand Strand and Pee Dee region are bracing for the potential onslaught of Tropical Storm Debby as the National Weather Service issues a tornado watch. The watch, in effect for parts of North Carolina and South Carolina, is valid until the early hours of Wednesday, causing many local communities to initiate precautionary and emergency measures to help mitigate the impending weather conditions.

Intensifying Weather Conditions

Spring Gully in Georgetown County heralded a deluge of 4.62 inches of rainfall by late Tuesday evening. Not far behind, the regions of North Myrtle Beach and certain portions of Conway surpassed the three-inch rainfall mark according to the regional weather service.

Tornado Warning Takes Effect

As of Tuesday evening, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for a string of locations including North Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove, and Nixons Crossroads. The warning was active until 7:15 p.m., with Marion County proceeding to activate its emergency operations center and designated shelters shortly afterwards.

State of Emergency Declared

Horry County officials, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Debby’s impending ravages, declared a state of emergency to facilitate the robustness and effectiveness of the response and clean-up operations. Concurrently, the local government instituted an overnight curfew, with the possibility of extension based on worsening storm conditions. The state of emergency is to remain in effect for a duration of 60 hours, unless the county council determines it can be terminated sooner.

Flight Disruption Expected

Despite the stormy outlook, the officials at Myrtle Beach International Airport expressed their resolve to keep the airport functional. Although several flights have managed to depart throughout the morning, a significant number of incoming flights had been canceled to ensure passenger safety. Travelers are encouraged to verify the latest information on their flight status or to arrange alternative travel through the airline’s official website or mobile app.

Flood Warning Issued Amidst Significant Rainfall

As midday approached, flooding reports from Wachesaw Road in Murrells Inlet began to trickle in. The meteorological service reported that more than 4 inches of rainfall had pummeled much of the region over the past five to six hours. Subsequently, a flash flood warning was issued for Myrtle Beach, Socastee, and Conway, which lasted until late Tuesday afternoon.

Power Outages Grip the Area

With the onset of the tropical storm, power outages became a looming concern for utility companies in the affected regions. More than 2,100 customers reported power losses with multiple outages reported specifically within the Myrtle Beach vicinity. Horry Electric, the local electricity supplier, restored power to nearly all of its affected customers, with larger power disruptions experienced in the Cherry Grove region of North Myrtle Beach.

Localized State of Emergency and Closing Procedures

In addition to the emergency measures implemented, North Myrtle Beach City Council declared an urgent state of emergency in the city to tackle the projected impacts of the storm. Strict restrictions were imposed on beach-side activities with double red flags hoisted on the beach, signaling a complete closure to swimmers due to dangerous surf conditions.

Flood Preparedness and Urgent Evacuation

With potential flood risks on the horizon, the local government announced several locations in Marion County for self-service sand bag stations. Residents are urged to prepare for possible flooding and evacuate low-lying areas until the storm weakens and conditions improve. A state toll-free hotline is available for any storm-related questions or concerns at 1-866-246-0133.