Severe Weather Safety

As storm clouds gather over the Myrtle Beach area, whether for an isolated thunderstorm or a tropical disturbance, being prepared becomes more than just smart, it’s essential.

At KeepingMyrtleBeachSafe.com, we’re dedicated to empowering families with practical, up-to-date safety tips for severe weather from understanding evacuation zones and assembling emergency kits to staying informed through NOAA alerts and local systems like MB Alerts. Our goal? Equip you with the knowledge to protect your loved ones, your home, and the treasured coastal environment you call home.

If you need additional information, please call the Visit Myrtle Beach information center at (800) 356-3016.

Severe Weather Safety Tips for Myrtle Beach Families

Storms can strike quickly along the South Carolina coast, so being prepared isn’t just smart—it’s essential for every family. Read on for expert-backed guidance to keep you safe before, during, and after severe weather.

1. Stay Informed with Trusted Alerts & News

Tune into NOAA Weather Radio (162.400 Frequency) or check for the latest information on the Natonal Weather Service website.

Sign up to receive local alerts to your phone through systems like SC CodeRED Alerts, Horry County CODERED Alerts, City of Myrtle Beach Alerts or City of North Myrtle Beach Alerts.

Get local weather information from Myrtle Beach area news sources, including WPDE-TV 15, WBTW News 13, WMBF News 10, The Sun News and My Horry News/Myrtle Beach Herald.

Listen to local radio stations who are participants in the Horry County Emergency Alert System: WYAV 104.1 FM, WLFF 106.5 FM and WHMC 90.1 FM.

While you get up-to-date on the latest weather conditions, understand key warnings such as Flood Watch (be ready), Flood Warning (take action) and Flash Flood Emergency (evacuate now).

2. Know Your Zone

Identify your volunterability to storm surge, flooding and wind. Know your emergency evacuation zone, which may have changed in recent years. Find an interactive map of the evaculation zones on the South Carolina Emergency Management Division website.

3. Build Your Emergency “Go Bag”

Pack an emergency kit with supplies for at least 72 hours:

Water (1 gallon/day per person) & non-perishable snacks
Flashlights, batteries, phone chargers, battery-powered/hand-crank radio
Medications, hygiene items, important documents in a waterproof bag
Blankets, first aid kit, whistle, pet essentials, games for kids

3. Secure Your Home & Property

Trim trees, clear gutters, and anchor or bring in patio furniture and trash cans
Reinforce windows, doors, and consider impact-rated materials for coastal storms
Move vehicles to higher ground and secure gas tanks; unplug major electronics before a storm to avoid power surges.

4. Never Drive Through Flooded Roads or Over Powerlines

Just 6 inches of rushing water can knock you off your feet; 12–18 inches can float a car—never try it. If your car stalls in rising water, leave it and seek higher ground immediately. Never, under any circumstances, should you drive over downed power lines. These wires may be live and can easily become entangled in your vehicle or energize the ground beneath it, putting you at serious risk of electrocution

6. Weather the Storm Safely Indoors

During thunder or lightning, stay inside for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder. Avoid water, corded electronics and stay in interior rooms or basements during tornado threats.

By preparing early, staying alert, and following science-backed advice, families can face storm season with greater confidence—and weather even the toughest conditions safely.

Local Resources

Emergency Management

Road Conditions

South Carolina 511 – Traffic conditions
South Carolina Department of Transportation – Current road conditions or call 1-855-GO-SCDOT (1-855-467-2368)
South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Horry County – Current road closures
NCDOT – North Carolina current road conditions or call (877) 511-4662

Important Phone Numbers

For updated information on the hurricane, call Horry County Public Information System (PIPS) 1-866-246-0133 (Only activated when needed. Spanish interpreters available).
For updated statewide information, call the SC Public Information Phone System (PIPS) at 866-246-0133.
Note: The above lines are only activated during a mandatory evacuation.
For local information, call the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce at 843-626-7444 or our information center at (800) 356-3016.