We all hope for great weather when we come to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for a vacation. If you are here for just a brief visit, you may luck out and not have to experience anything more than a passing thunderstorm or two. For those of you who are here for an extended stay or if you call the Grand Strand area home, you may experience a possible visit from something a little more intimidating than some raindrops and a few claps of thunder. From the beginning of June until the end of November, residents, snowbirds and long-term vacationers alike must ride out the Hurricane Season and the potentially high-risk storms that could approach the Carolina coastline.
How Do Hurricanes Form?
Hurricanes form during this time period over warm ocean water, which is why we first hear about them forming in the tropical waters near the Bahamas, Caribbean and below the Gulf of Mexico. With these hurricanes forming that far from the Atlantic Coastline, it does give an advantage of time to see where the projected path may be, the projected intensity of the storm, and this can allow everyone to plan accordingly and evacuate if necessary.
How are Hurricanes Categorized?
There are 5 different categories of hurricanes.
- A Category 1 hurricane will sustain winds of 74-95 mph and can produce some damage.
- A Category 2 hurricane will have sustained winds of 96-110 mph and will cause extensive damage.
- A Category 3 hurricane has sustained wind speeds of 111-130 mph and can cause devastating damage.
- A Category 4 hurricane will have sustained winds of 131-155 mph and can result in catastrophic damage.
- The final category is a Category 5 hurricane which will have sustained winds greater than 155 mph and will also cause catastrophic damage.
Depending on the category of the hurricane and projected path, mandatory evacuations can occur to help prevent injury and loss of life. The damage, unfortunately, can sometimes be unavoidable as it was for several of the Grand Strand area’s more infamous hurricanes.
Be Prepared
It is always good to be prepared no matter where a hurricane may hit or how severe it may or may not be. Indeed, the popular Myrtle Beach Skywheel removed its cars in preparation for Hurricane Irene so it is always better to be safe than sorry. Some of the best hurricane preparations are to make sure you have:
- Extra batteries and flashlights
- Non-perishable food in case the electricity goes ou
- A full tank of gas in your car
- Clean, comfortable clothes
Make sure you also:
- Secure any movable objects around your dwelling
- Board up any windows or doors
- Keep an eye and an ear on the news for any information regarding approaching storms
- Heed the warnings and advice of professionals, especially if an evacuation is ordered.
If you are about to come on vacation and a hurricane is predicted to arrive during your stay, contact your rental company to find out what advice and instructions they may have regarding your visit. It may be difficult to postpone a vacation but it will be much more enjoyable to come when the weather is safe and beautiful. Hurricanes are incredible forces of nature but luckily ones that do not occur very often, and the everyday weather of Myrtle Beach keeps visitors coming back year after year. Let’s hope your next vacation to Myrtle Beach will be great, memorable and storm-free!
Learn more about the Hurricane History of South Carolina and Myrtle Beach