News Summary
Myrtle Beach was transformed into a winter wonderland as snowflakes fell, marking the fifth snowiest storm in the area’s history. With an official total of five inches on Wednesday, some neighborhoods reported up to six inches. Residents faced challenging road conditions, prompting local authorities to advise caution and limit travel. Despite the chaotic weather, essential services adjusted, schools moved to online learning, and the community came together to navigate the winter storm. The National Weather Service predicts dry conditions ahead, but safety remains a priority.
Myrtle Beach Sees a Rare Winter Wonderland
Well, folks, if you woke up in Myrtle Beach on Wednesday, you were in for quite the surprise! Snowflakes were fluttering down from the sky, transforming our coastal paradise into a stunning winter wonderland. Yes, you heard that right! This recent winter storm brought us the fifth snowiest snowstorm on record in Myrtle Beach, and it seems like Mother Nature decided to give us a taste of winter we won’t soon forget.
Snowfall Records and How We Fared
Starting Tuesday night, the snow began to accumulate, and by the time the sun peeked over the horizon on Wednesday, residents were greeted with an official total of five inches of snow! This impressive accumulation ties the city with previous storms from March 3, 1980, and January 5, 1988. Can you believe that?
Areas in Horry and Georgetown counties really took the brunt of the storm, with some neighborhoods reporting snowfall amounts ranging anywhere from two to six inches. Meanwhile, if you lived west of I-95, it was a different story with less than two inches making their way onto the ground. It’s fascinating how weather can change so dramatically in just a few miles!
The Great Snowy History of Myrtle Beach
For those curious about the history of snow in our region, the all-time record still stands at a whopping 14 inches, which was set back on December 24, 1989—the only recorded white Christmas in Myrtle Beach’s history. So, while this latest storm was exciting, it still has a lot of catching up to do!
Caution in the Chaos
After the flakes settled, residents across northeast South Carolina and coastal North Carolina quickly turned their attention to the roads. The National Weather Service in Wilmington, NC, sent out a friendly reminder about the dangerous driving conditions expected to stick around through Thursday morning. Remember folks, safety first! It’s advisable to slow down, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and proceed with caution especially on bridges and overpasses.
Seeing the icy conditions, local Horry County police added their voice to the chorus, advising everyone to stay indoors during the coldest hours. If there’s no reason to be out on the roads, it’s best to enjoy the view from your window!
Local Services and Community Adjustments
As if the snow wasn’t enough, all city facilities in Myrtle Beach had to close their doors the day after the storm due to those pesky icy conditions. Trash collection was also modified, leading the city to call in extra staff for a thorough pickup on Friday. Meanwhile, jury duty for the municipal court was canceled for the entire week—a little reprieve during this wintery chaos!
Schools and Online Learning
In the education sphere, Horry-Georgetown Technical College swiftly transitioned to online instruction for Thursday as road conditions became hazardous. The local schools followed suit, announcing e-learning days for all Horry County Schools on Thursday, and all extracurricular activities were sadly canceled. It’s a little bittersweet for students who love their after-school fun!
Looking Forward as Temperatures Dip
As we look ahead, the National Weather Service predicts that we can expect dry conditions for the week, but with a Cold Weather Advisory now in effect, everyone should stay bundled up. Additionally, local governments in Horry County jumped into action by entering an OPCON 2 status, a proactive measure to prepare for any potential emergencies. A local state of emergency was declared ahead of the storm, ensuring swift response to keep everyone safe.
Even with all this wintery weather, the Myrtle Beach International Airport is open and waiting for travelers, but don’t forget to check your flight statuses just to be sure! Winter in Myrtle Beach is a wild ride, but with a little patience and care, we’ll all get through it together! Stay warm, everyone!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Myrtle Beach Faces Winter Weather School Closures and Remote Learning Days
Winter Storm Warning for Florence Area: Snow and Sleet on the Way
Winter Storm Watch Affects Grand Strand Region
Arctic Blast Expected to Hit Horry County
Winter Weather Warnings Cause School Closures Across the Carolinas
Cold Weather Hits South Carolina: Shelters Open
South Carolina Braces for Colder Weather After Record Heat
Additional Resources
- ABC 15 Weather Authority Blog
- Wikipedia: Snow
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach weather
- WBTW News 13
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach snow
- Myrtle Beach Sun News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Snowstorm
- WBTW News 13 – Horry County Emergency
- Google News: Myrtle Beach winter storm
