Myrtle Beach, located on South Carolina’s Atlantic coastline, is indeed susceptible to hurricanes. Its geographic position places it within the range of tropical weather systems that form in the Atlantic basin. While direct landfalls of major hurricanes may not occur every season, the area frequently experiences impacts from these powerful storms or their remnants.
Hurricanes in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach’s direct exposure to the Atlantic Ocean makes it vulnerable to hurricanes. Tropical cyclones, including strong hurricanes or weaker tropical storms, can bring significant weather events. Even without a direct landfall, a storm’s outer bands or proximity can cause substantial disruption.
The effects can range from heavy rainfall and strong surf to dangerous rip currents. Even distant storms can cause life-threatening rip currents, dangerous surf, and minor coastal flooding, demonstrating that indirect interactions necessitate vigilance and preparedness.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season
The Atlantic hurricane season has a defined period, officially beginning on June 1st and concluding on November 30th each year. Within this six-month window, the probability of tropical cyclone formation and activity is highest. While storms can occur at any point, there is a distinct peak in activity.
The most active months are between August and October. The climatological peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is around September 10th. This heightened activity during late summer and early autumn is linked to several factors, including the warmest sea-surface temperatures, reduced upper-level winds, and frequent tropical disturbances moving off the coast of Africa.
Potential Effects on the Coast
Hurricanes and tropical storms can bring a variety of hazardous conditions to coastal regions like Myrtle Beach. One of the most destructive is storm surge, which is an abnormal rise of water generated by a storm’s winds pushing water onshore. This elevated sea level, combined with normal tides, can inundate low-lying coastal areas and cause extensive flooding.
Beyond the immediate coast, heavy rainfall can lead to widespread inland flooding. Such precipitation can overwhelm drainage systems and cause rivers and streams to overflow their banks, affecting areas far from the shoreline. Strong winds can damage structures, topple trees, and create hazardous flying debris. Dangerous rip currents are also a common threat, even from distant storms, posing a significant risk to swimmers.
Notable Past Storms
Myrtle Beach and the broader South Carolina coast have experienced several significant hurricane impacts throughout history. One of the most powerful was Hurricane Hugo in 1989, which made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane near Sullivan’s Island, producing a record 20-foot storm surge in Bulls Bay. Its widespread damage extended far inland across the state.
Another impactful storm was Hurricane Hazel in 1954, also a Category 4, which caused extensive destruction along the coast. Hurricane Charley in 2004 affected North Myrtle Beach after its initial landfall in Florida. Hurricane Matthew in 2016 grazed the South Carolina coast, resulting in significant flooding and tree damage. Hurricane Ian in 2022 also brought considerable flooding to Horry County, which includes Myrtle Beach.