Hurricane Idalia may hit Myrtle Beach later than expected as the storm moves. Here’s when.
As Hurricane Idalia works its way up the southeastern coast, Horry County can expect nearly a foot of rain and winds of nearly 50 miles per hour in some locations.
“This is going to be quick moving storm, which is to our favor,” but predicted impacts could worsen should Idalia gain momentum over the next 24 hours, said Randall Webster, the county’s emergency management director, said during a briefing with county leaders on Aug. 29.
A tropical storm watch is now in effect for Horry, Georgetown, and Williamsburg counties but only the immediate coasts of Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties. This watch also extends out 20 nm over the adjacent coastal waters. #ncwx #scwx #ILMwx pic.twitter.com/2P3pna3iwn
— NWS Wilmington, NC (@NWSWilmingtonNC) August 29, 2023
Central elements of Idalia are likely to pass over Horry County by 8 a.m. Thursday, though strong wind gusts could arrive some time Wednesday night, Webster said during a briefing with county council members.
A storm surge up to 3 feet is expected, but if Idalia strengthens, flooding could impact Garden City, the Cherry Grove area of North Myrtle beach and other low lying areas.
A 5 p.m. update by federal forecasters said Florida’s Big Bend, central Georgia and coastal areas of the Carolinas moderate flash flooding. As of Tuesday morning, Idalia was 720 miles southwest of Myrtle Beach, traveling north at about 14 mph.
“We don’t have much beach because of (Hurricane) Ian last year, so the likelihood of ... flooding along the coast is greater,” Webster said.
The National Hurricane Center has coastal areas of the Grand Strand getting more than a foot high storm surge, according to projections released at 5 p.m. on Aug. 29. Horry County remains under a flood watch through 8 p.m. Thursday.
A Flood Watch will be in effect from 2 p.m. Wed. through 8 p.m., Thurs., for all of Horry County.
Heavy rains from Idalia may cause flash flooding throughout the county, especially in low-lying areas.
Clear gutters and nearby storm drains to help mitigate pooling of water. pic.twitter.com/C03MegRrY8— Horry County EMD (@HorryEMD) August 29, 2023
Between 4 to 6 inches of rain is likely, although it could drop 10 inches in some locations should Idalia move its track. The South Strand Recreation Center at 9650 Scipio Lane in Myrtle Beach is being activated as an emergency shelter starting Wednesday evening, Webster said.
County offices are slated to run on a regular schedule Aug. 30.
A Flood Watch will be in effect from 2 p.m. Wed. through 8 p.m., Thurs., for all of Horry County.
Heavy rains from Idalia may cause flash flooding throughout the county, especially in low-lying areas.
Clear gutters and nearby storm drains to help mitigate pooling of water. pic.twitter.com/C03MegRrY8— Horry County EMD (@HorryEMD) August 29, 2023