News and Announcements

Based on the latest forecasts from the National Weather Service, Horry County Government offices and facilities will close at 2 p.m. today, March 18, 2021, due to the potential threat of severe weather.

All Horry County Solid Waste Authority recycling and convenience centers will also close at 2 p.m. today.

Recreation events scheduled at county recreation centers and fields will also be cancelled tonight.

The Board of Fee Appeals meeting scheduled for 3 p.m. today is cancelled.

Myrtle Beach International Airport remains open but passengers should check the status of their flights with their airlines.

Public safety departments will continue to provide critical services.

Horry County Government asks everyone to remain weather aware and heed any emergency weather alerts. For more information, follow Horry County Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter.

April 6, 2017 

8 a.m. 

Severe Weather Update: 

Conway, South Carolina – Horry County returns to Operating Condition (OPCON) 5, normal operating condition, as of this morning. At this time, no significant issues were reported overnight. 

April 5, 2017

3 p.m.

Severe Weather Update:

Conway, South Carolina – At 3:00 p.m., Horry County will move to Operating Condition Level 4 (OPCON 4) due to the potential threat of severe weather conditions this evening and overnight. 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.

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 during power outages such as water, batteries, flashlights, etc. Residents should also survey their property and secure any objects that could become airborne during high winds.

For more information on wind safety, please visit the National Weather Service.

High Wind Safety Tips

• If you are caught outside during high winds:
• Take cover next to a building or under a secure shelter.
• Stand clear of roadways as a gust may blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
• Watch for flying debris. Tree limbs may break and street signs may come loose during strong winds.

In the event of a downed power line:

• Report downed lines to your local utility company and 911.
• Avoid anything that may be touching downed lines, including vehicles or tree branches.
• If a line falls on your car, stay inside the vehicle. Take care not to touch any part of the metal frame of your vehicle.

If you are driving:

• Keep both hands on the wheel and slow down.
• Watch for objects blowing across the roadway and into your path.
• Keep a safe distance from cars in adjacent lanes, as strong gusts could push a car outside its lane of travel.
• Take extra care in a high-profile vehicle such as trucks, vans, SUVs, or when towing a trailer, as these are more prone to being pushed or flipped by high wind gusts.
• If winds are severe enough to prevent safe driving, safely pull over onto the shoulder of the road and stop, making sure you are away from trees or other tall objects that could fall onto your vehicle. 

Conway, South Carolina –Around noon yesterday, a severe storm came through Horry County and produced damaging winds and possibly a tornado.  The National Weather Service from Wilmington met with Horry County Emergency Management this morning to assess the damage. The NWS determined that an EF-1tornado did in fact cause the damage produced by the storm. They estimated the tornado had winds speeds of 110 mph.

Horry County Fire/Rescue and Horry County Police conducted primary searches and no injuries have been reported.  Power was out for about 1100 homes for a period of time, but all power has been restored. 

Intermittent structural damage from the storm began close to Booth’s Christmas Tree Farm on Adrianne Highway and proceeded along Adrianne Hwy to about Hwy 66 or about 5 miles.  Damage assessment teams from Horry County Code Enforcement found several buildings and a few homes damaged including 3-4 homes uninhabitable due to roof damage or blown off the foundation. The preliminary damage assessment from 40 structures that were damaged is $977,300, which includes six homes.  

Damage Assessment Map

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.