In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the term “zone” refers to multiple classification systems that manage different aspects of life, from horticulture to hurricane preparedness. These distinct zoning systems provide residents and visitors with essential information regarding the local environment, property risks, and safety protocols. Understanding these classifications, which include measures for climate, flood potential, and emergency evacuation, is necessary for navigating the specific challenges and opportunities of living on the Grand Strand.
Climate and Gardening Zones
Myrtle Beach falls under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Plant Hardiness Zone 8b. This designation defines the average annual minimum winter temperature of the area, which typically ranges between 15°F and 20°F. This relatively mild winter climate means that many plants considered annuals in colder regions can survive the winter here.
The 8b zone allows for the successful cultivation of numerous subtropical and temperate species, including palms, camellias, and certain citrus varieties. Gardeners are advised to choose plants rated for this zone or a colder one to ensure winter survival without the need for extensive protection. Knowing this zone helps determine which trees and shrubs are most likely to thrive in the local environment.
Flood Risk and Insurance Zones
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) uses Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) to designate different flood zones, which directly influence mandatory insurance requirements and building standards. These maps categorize areas based on their risk of experiencing a 100-year flood. For Myrtle Beach, the most high-risk coastal areas are often designated as V Zones (Velocity Zones).
V Zones are coastal high hazard areas where wave action and high-velocity water pose the greatest threat to structures. Buildings in these zones must adhere to the strictest regulations, including elevation requirements and specialized foundation construction.
A Zones (e.g., AE, AO) represent other areas with a one percent annual chance of flooding. Property owners in both A and V zones are typically required by lenders to purchase flood insurance. New residential construction in the regulatory floodplain must be elevated at least three feet above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
Conversely, X Zones (or Zone C) are considered areas of minimal or moderate flood risk. These zones are situated outside the 500-year floodplain, where flood insurance is optional but recommended.
Coastal Safety and Evacuation Zones
Local authorities in Horry County and Myrtle Beach utilize a separate system of lettered zones (A, B, and C) to manage mandatory evacuations during tropical storms and hurricanes. These zones are based primarily on the vulnerability of an area to storm surge inundation, which is often the greatest threat to life from a coastal storm. The evacuation zones are not tied to the financial and insurance regulations of the FEMA flood zones.
Evacuation orders are issued in phases as a storm approaches. Zone A consists of the lowest-lying areas and those closest to the ocean, making them the first to receive a mandatory evacuation order. Zone B and Zone C include areas progressively further inland or at higher elevations, and their evacuation orders are issued only as the severity of the forecast dictates. Residents are notified by local emergency management officials when an evacuation order is issued specifically for their zone.