News and Announcements

Conway, South Carolina – Horry County Emergency Management continues to monitor Tropical Storm Colin.  The Horry County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is not currently open and no watches or warnings have been issued for Horry County at this time.

Emergency management officials urge citizens and visitors to have their preparations in place.  Tropical Storm Colin is anticipated to bring between three to five inches of rain over the next several days, with locally higher amounts possible.  Motorists are urged to use extreme caution when traveling as roads will be slick and ponding may occur.

Additional driving tips include:

• Turn around, don’t drown!  Never drive through water on the roadway.  Just 12-inches of water can carry away a small car and two feet can carry away most vehicles!
• First and foremost: slow down! It takes longer to stop or adjust in wet weather.
• Stay toward the middle lanes - water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
• Maintain proper following distance (3 Second Rule). This needs to be increased in rainy weather.
• Drive in the tracks of a car ahead of you.
• Don't follow large trucks or busses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. In addition, take care when passing them; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
• Be more alert when driving in wet or slippery conditions. Watch out for brake lights in front of you.

For the latest information on the advance of Tropical Storm Colin, stay tuned to local media broadcasts.  Additional information can be found on Horry County’s website.

May 28, 2016

Time: 4:30 p.m.

 

Conway, South Carolina –In anticipation of possible effects on Horry County from Tropical Storm Bonnie, the National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning this evening for parts of the southeastern coast to include Horry County.  A tropical storm warning means that conditions are expected somewhere within the specific coastal area within 36 hours.

Emergency management officials urge citizens and our many visitors who are here for the Memorial Day weekend to have their preparations in place. This particular storm is anticipated to bring between 1-3 inches of rain over the next several days, but winds will remain low. Motorists and urged to use extreme caution when traveling as roads will be slick and ponding could occur.Also rip currents along the coast of Horry County could pose a moderate threat. It is advised to swim near a lifeguard and remember to heed the advice of the local beach patrol and flag warning systems.

Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore. If you become caught in a rip current, yell for help and remain calm. Do not exhaust yourself and stay afloat while waiting for help. If you have to swim out of a rip current, swim parallel to shore and back toward the beach when possible. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current as you will tire quickly. 

Additional information can be found on Horry County’s website at http://emd.horrycounty.org.

Date: May 27, 2016

Time: 5:00 p.m.

Tropical Depression #2 Update

Conway, South Carolina –In anticipation of possible effects on Horry County from Tropical Depression #2, the National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning this evening for parts of the southeastern coast to include Horry County.  A tropical storm warning means that conditions are expected somewhere within the specific coastal area within 36 hours.

Emergency management officials urge citizens and our many visitors who are here for the Memorial Day weekend to have their preparations in place. This particular storm is anticipated to bring between 2-4 inches of rain over the next several days, but winds will remain low. Motorists and urged to use extreme caution when traveling as roads will be slick and ponding could occur.

Additional driving tips include:

• First and foremost: slow down! It takes longer to stop or adjust in wet weather.
• Stay toward the middle lanes - water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
• Maintain proper following distance (3 Second Rule). This needs to be increased in wet weather.
• Drive in the tracks of a car ahead of you.
• Don't follow large trucks or busses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
• Be more alert when driving in wet or slippery conditions. Watch out for brake lights in front of you.

Additional information can be found on Horry County’s website.

May 8, 2015

11 a.m.

Conway, South Carolina – At 11 a.m., Horry County will move to Operating Condition Level 4 (OPCON 4) in preparation of Subtropical Storm Ana.  OPCON 4 puts Horry County on “Alert” status, which means that county officials have begun discussions with South Carolina Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, and other coastal communities.  Horry County will continue to monitor the storm closely and review all operational plans.  The Horry County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is NOT active at this time, however Horry County Emergency Management will continue to keep the public aware of changes in the forecast and appropriate action will be taken as necessary.

The current forecast has Subtropical Storm Ana moving toward the South Carolina coast early Friday morning.  Depending on the angle of approach, the Horry County coastline may experience up to 45-mph winds with some higher gusts possible.

The biggest threats with Subtropical Storm Ana are riptides and high surf, which has prompted swimming and surfing advisories until further notice.  Rainfall accumulation is expected to be between two to four inches.

As of 8 a.m. this morning, the Horry County is under a tropical storm watch, which means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area within the next 48-hours.

Citizens should stay tuned to local media for updates.  It is also a good time to review family hurricane plans, including items that may be needed such as water, batteries, flashlights, etch.  Additional hurricane information can be found on Horry County’s official website.

3 July 2014
Time: 2 p.m.

Hurricane Arthur Update:

Conway, South Carolina – Horry County remains at a Level 4 Operating Condition (OPCON 4) as Hurricane Arthur moves past the area. OPCON 4 puts Horry County on “Alert” status, which means that county officials have are in continual discussions with South Carolina Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, and coastal communities including local municipalities.

In anticipation of possible effects on Horry County from Hurricane Arthur, the National Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Warning today for part of the southeastern coast to include Horry County. A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39-73 mph) are expected within the warning area within 36-hours.
As Hurricane Arthur passes by, Horry County could see a one to three foot storm surge that should occur during mainly during low tide. The current track brings Arthur into North Carolina as a potential Category 2 storm. Residents of Horry County can expect 25-35 mph sustained winds with gusts up to 45-mph, periods of heavy rain, 1-3 foot storm surge, beach erosion, high surf with very strong rip currents, and a chance of isolated tornadoes.

Citizens should survey their property to mitigate the potential of flooding such as making sure storm drains and gutters are clear of debris. Citizens are reminded that any loose outdoor items such as patio furniture or toys could become airborne. All outdoor items should be secured by bringing it inside. It is also advised that people avoid flooded areas and downed power lines.

Anyone traveling is urged to exercise caution due to ponding on roadways and potential flooding in low laying areas.

While Horry County will not experience hurricane conditions as this storm passes by, everyone should use this storm as a reminder to take the time to get their family hurricane plans in place; including items that may be needed like water, batteries, flashlights, etc. Additional hurricane information can be found on Horry County’s website.