News and Announcements

Conway, South Carolina – Horry County will move to Operating Condition (OPCON) 4 as of 4 p.m. this afternoon. OPCON 4 means that flooding still poses a threat to Horry County, however, the area rivers and waterways continue to recede and the situation is becoming more stabilized. Horry County Emergency Management is transitioning into recovery efforts to assist those in our community who currently have immediate and future needs.

 

The Horry County Emergency Operations Center and the Phone Bank will close as of 5 p.m. today. Citizens may still call Horry County Emergency Management at (843) 915-5150 during normal business hours.

 

Residents affected by Hurricane Florence and the subsequent flooding can apply to FEMA for assistance by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov. Alternatively, citizens may call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362. Individuals with a speech disability or hearing loss may use TTY by calling 1-800-462-7585. Individuals utilizing a 711 or video relay service (VRS) may call 1-800-621-3362. The FEMA National Processing Service Center is available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

 

Additional flooding information can be found on Horry County’s official website and on Horry County Emergency Management's Facebook page and Twitter feed. 

 Date: October 9, 2016

Time: 12 p.m.

Hurricane Matthew Update:

• Properties along the Waccamaw River & Intracoastal Waterway are asked to monitor river levels closely as they are rising fast.  The rivers are currently at major flood stage and could continue to rise.  Flooding will be similar to the October 2015 floods.  Residents in these areas should prepare now if they plan on evacuating their property. For information or assistance, citizens in the City of Conway can call 843-488-7664 and Horry County residents should call 843-915-5150.
• All Horry County Solid Waste Authority offices and recycling centers will be closed today.  Those that are safely able to open will do so during their normal hours tomorrow.
• The curfew for unincorporated Horry County remains in effect from this evening at 6 p.m. until tomorrow morning (October 10) at 6 a.m.
• The Horry County Emergency Operations Center Phone Bank is functioning as normal.
• The Horry County Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for this week has been postponed until October 17 and the Board of Registration & Elections meeting has been cancelled.
• All Horry County Circuit Court jurors for the week of October 10, 2016, are excused.
• Horry County damage assessment teams began at 8 a.m. this morning.
• The Governor is the only one who can rescind evacuation orders and has not yet done so.
• As of 12 p.m. this morning there are 468 in area shelters.
• 123+ roads closed and/or impassable.
• Travelers should check with their airlines for current flight status.
• There continues to be widespread power outages throughout Horry County.  Utility crews are working to restore power as quickly as is safely possible.  It is estimated that it will take several days to fully restore electrical services throughout the county.
• There are still widespread reports of downed powerlines and trees.  Horry County officials are strongly encouraging people to stay off the roads.
• Due to widespread flooding, citizens are reminded to NEVER drive around barricades/barrels/road closed signs, and to NEVER drive through standing water.  
• Citizens are encouraged to only call 911 for life safety emergencies.

 Horry County Emergency Management can be reached at 843-915-5150 and can also be followed on Facebook and Twitter.

Date: October 4, 2016
Time: 12 p.m.
 
Conway, South Carolina – Horry County has moved to OPCON 3 (Level 3 Operating Condition) in preparation of Hurricane Matthew. OPCON 3 means the storm poses a significant threat to Horry County.  County officials are in continual discussions with South Carolina Emergency Management, coastal communities including local municipalities, the Governor’s office and will continue to monitor the situation closely.  The Horry County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is NOT fully activated at this time however it is prepared to fully activate if the Governor issues a mandatory evacuation order.
 
Should mandatory evacuation order be issued, it is important that residents are familiar with the evacuation zones as follows: 

• Zone A: All areas east of U.S. Business 17 (Kings Hwy), up to intersection with U.S. 17 (Kings Hwy) and then all areas east of US 17 (Kings Hwy) to the Northern county line.
• Zone B: All areas south of Hwy 707 and Longwood Drive, including all areas in Longwood Plantation (Blackmoor) to the Waccamaw River and all areas east of U.S. 17 Bypass (Mark Garner Hwy) to U.S. 17 (North Kings Hwy) and all areas east of U.S. 17 (North Kings Hwy) to the northern county line.                                                
• Zone C: All areas between Hwy 701 and Hwy 544, south of Brown's Chapel Avenue and Hwy 814, plus all areas east of Highway 31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) to Highway 90 and all areas east of Highway 90 to U.S. 17 to the northern county line. 
• Mobile homes, campers and those in flood prone areas are asked to evacuate for all storms.
• Horry County evacuates for storm surge and not for wind. 

Prior to any evacuation orders, it is important that residents are familiar with the evacuation route that they will take: 

• North Myrtle Beach and northward: Evacuees from north of Briarcliffe Acres will take SC 9 north to I-95 and beyond.
• Briarcliffe Acres south to Myrtle Beach 10th Avenue North: Evacuees in Briarcliffe Acres south to 10th Avenue North will take SC 22 (Conway Bypass) to US 501 to Marion.  In Marion, they may then take US 76 to Florence to access I-95 southbound or they may stay on US 501 to SC 38 to access I-95 northbound.
• Myrtle Beach, from 10th Avenue North south to the Myrtle Beach International Airport: Evacuees from the Myrtle Beach area south of 10th Avenue North and north of the Myrtle Beach International Airport will take US 501 to Conway.  They may then take US 378 to Columbia or continue on US 501 to Marion.  In Marion they may then take US 76 to Florence to access I-95 southbound or they may stay on US 501 to SC 38 to access I-95 northbound.
• Myrtle Beach International Airport southward through Surfside Beach: Evacuees from the Myrtle Beach International Airport south through Surfside Beach will take SC 544 to US 501 to Conway.  They may then take US 378 to Columbia or continue on US 501 to Marion.  In Marion they may then take US 76 to Florence to access I-95 southbound or they may stay on US 501 to SC 38 to access I-95 northbound.
• Garden City Beach south to Winyah Bay: Evacuees from Garden City Beach south to Winyah Bay will take US 17 south through Georgetown.  They will then take US 521 to SC 261 to US 378 to Columbia.  Alternatively, they may take US 17 south to US 701 in Georgetown to SC 51 to US 378 at Kingsburg.

Residents that live in Evacuation Zone C should utilize the closest available evacuation route to safely evacuate the area.
 
When evacuating, it is important to take a road map.  Motorists should be aware that law enforcement and the South Carolina National Guard may be posted along evacuation routes to provide assistance.  Evacuation routes and maps are available on Horry County’s office website.
 
Whether required to evacuate or not, citizens should:

• Have all necessary medications (prescription and over the counter). 
• Have a supply of nonperishable food and water for each family member including pets.
• Survey property to mitigate the potential of flooding such as making sure storm drains and gutters are clear of debris.  
• Have family hurricane plans in place; including items that may be needed like water, batteries, flashlights, etc.  
• Anticipate potential power outages that could extend for several days.

If an evacuation order is given, 16-area schools will be opened as American Red Cross Shelters.  Shelters should be considered as a place of last resort to ride out the storm, shelters may be crowded, they do not accept pets and not designed for comfort.  When going to a shelter, citizens will need to take their own supplies such as batteries, bedding, identification, toiletries, clothing, etc…Shelters do not accept guns, alcohol or animals. To easily locate a shelter, download the American Red Cross’ Shelter Finder application on the Apple iTunes Store or Google Play.
 
Additional hurricane information can be found on Horry County’s website. This link contains information on how to prepare for an emergency, evacuation routes and maps, re-entry information, shelters, etc.
 

 

• Stay off of the roads! Please if you do not need to out on the roadways….Please stay home!
• Citizens who need to report any road and drainage issues, please call the Horry County Road & Drainage Hotline at (843) 381-8000.
• Citizens who have questions or concerns regarding the flooding, please call Horry County Emergency Management at (843) 915-5150.
• Please check with your airlines directly, concerning the status of any flights.

Conway, South Carolina – Horry County has resumed to Operating Condition (OPCON) 1 due to potential flooding issues. OPCON 1 means a disaster or emergency situation is in effect and poses a significant threat to Horry County. Horry County will activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at noon today.

 

Due to potential flooding issues throughout the county, a shelter is open at the Risen Christ Lutheran Church, located at 10595 North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, just south of Barefoot Landing.

 

The biggest threats to our area continue to be flash floods and dangerous maritime conditions. All low lying areas, areas prone to flooding, and communities along the Waccamaw River should use extra caution and prepare for potential flooding. The combination of increasing wave action and water runoff may lead to beach erosion and rip currents will also become elevated beginning this afternoon.

 

Citizens are highly encouraged to stay off the roads if at all possible. The dangers of driving and driving at night poses a higher risk as the hazards become harder to recognize. Please drive with extreme caution!

 

Citizens should stay tuned to local media for updates.  It is also a good time to review family emergency plans, including items that may be needed such as water, batteries, flashlights, etch.  Additional flooding information can be found on Horry County’s official website at http://www.horrycounty.org or to review FEMA flood maps at http://www.horrycounty.org/OnlineServices/FEMAFloodMaps.

 

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Flood Safety Tips

 

During a flood, water levels and the rate the water is flowing can quickly change. Remain aware and monitor your local media outlets. Avoid flood waters at all costs!

 

Stay Informed

Monitor local your local media outlets (including NOAA Weather Radio), internet, and social media for information and updates.

 

Get to Higher Ground

Get out of areas subject to flooding and get to higher ground. Move personal belongings that may flood.

 

Obey Warning and Road Closure Signs

Do not drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade; Turn around! Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide many hazards (i.e. ditches, sharp objects and debris, washed out roads, electrical wires, etc.). A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in a matter of seconds. Twelve-inches of water can float a car or small SUV and 18-inches of water can carry away large vehicles.

 

Drive with Caution

Flooding will make driving difficult as run-off collects across intersection and low spots. In addition, some small creeks and ditches may quickly get out of their banks and sill across the roadway. The dangers of driving at night poses a higher risk as the hazards become harder to recognize. Please drive with extreme caution!

 

Avoid Flood Waters

Do not walk through flood waters. It only takes six-inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. Watch out for your pets and bring them inside.

 

Practice Electrical Safety

Don’t go into any room if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises – get out!