Reflecting on Hurricane Florence: Six Years Later in Myrtle Beach, SC
As we gather in Myrtle Beach this weekend, it’s hard to believe that it has been six years since Hurricane Florence made its infamous landfall along our beautiful coastline. Time does have a funny way of slipping by, especially when you think about the tremendous impact that storm had on countless lives here and across neighboring regions.
August 14, 2018: The Calm Before the Storm
On September 14, 2018, Florence made its dramatic entrance near Wilmington, NC, but it wasn’t just about the initial landfall. This was a massive, slow-moving hurricane that caught many off guard. At one point, some forecasts predicted it would drift along at a crawl of just 1 mph. Can you imagine? A storm that just wouldn’t budge! It didn’t take long for the rains to start pouring down, leaving behind a trail of destruction that shocked residents and authorities alike.
Record-Breaking Rainfall
Florence spent what felt like an eternity dropping rain, breaking records across the board. Some areas, including parts of Lumberton and Loris, witnessed more than 22 inches of rain, with Loris itself seeing over 23 inches! That’s a lot of water! This relentless downpour led to devastating river flooding in the coming days, causing our beloved rivers, like the Lumber and Waccamaw, to swell to unheard-of levels.
The Toll on Homes and Roads
In many neighborhoods around Horry County, we saw as much as eight feet of water inside some homes, rendering many houses uninhabitable. Can you picture standing in your living room with water up to your waist? It was heart-wrenching to see communities hit hard just when they thought they had finally recovered from past storms. Some families had just rebuilt from Hurricane Matthew before facing Florence. And tragically, the storm claimed the lives of 51 people across the Carolinas.
Rising Water, Rising Worries
This flooding was not just a temporary inconvenience; parts of western Horry County remained cut off for a staggering ten days! And who can forget the chaos on our roads? Interstate 95 was closed on both sides of the state line for a while, with Lumberton being shut down for an entire week. The impact rippled through the entire region, from delayed commutes to disrupted daily lives.
Lessons from the Past
Fast forward to today, and as we prepare for another hurricane season, many in our community remember the lessons learned during Florence. Recent storms like Tropical Storm Debby sparked memories, too. Meteorologist James Hopkins notes the similarities, especially in how both storms behaved. He emphasized that while Debby didn’t bring record rainfall, we need to remember what Florence did—a staggering seven feet higher than recent flooding.
Rebuilding and Recovery
It took about a year for many in affected communities to begin the difficult process of tearing down damaged homes and building anew. When the winds of Florence howled, they knocked out power for over 75% of customers in Robeson County, leaving many without basic services. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of preparedness. With storms like Florence looming in the future, evacuation routes and home elevation are things residents need to consider carefully.
Moving Forward Together
As we mark this six-year milestone, it’s crucial to acknowledge the resilience of our community. Although we remember the destruction of Hurricane Florence, we also celebrate the strength and determination our neighbors displayed in the face of adversity. Together, let’s continue to support each other and remain vigilant as hurricane season rolls around once again.
