MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — It has been an extremely active morning thus far, especially in Horry County. Currently, there’s a flash flood warning in effect for parts of Horry and Georgetown counties that will be in effect till 12 p.m. as rainfall rates are expected to exceed 1” per hour.
Parts of the Grand Strand have already seen upwards of 4-6” of rain and even parts of northern Horry County have seen over 3” in the last six hours.
Rainfall has not been as heavy throughout the Pee Dee but every square inch of our viewing area has seen rain this morning. More rain has been observed in areas slightly to the west of I-95 including parts of Darlington, Marlboro, and Dillon counties. Rainfall estimates exceed 1.5”.
Rain coverage will lessen over the next several hours, but the best chances are still along the immediate through the afternoon and evening. Periods of heavy downpours will continue.
Isolated rainfall totals through this evening including another 1.5-2” for parts of the Grand Strand. Areas spanning either side of I-95 will pick up less than 0.5″, and the border belt, on average, is expected to see less than 1”.
The Weather Prediction Center has our area at a “slight” risk which is a level ⅖ for excessive rainfall. The slight risk includes a 15% chance that rainfall will exceed flash flood guidance. Flash flood guidance for the next 24 hours along the Grand Strand is 4-5” and the Pee Dee is slightly less at 3-5”. It is increasingly likely that rainfall totals for the next 24 hours will be close to that, primarily for the coast.
Flash flooding will be isolated throughout the area and is already ongoing in parts of Horry County, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Do not drive through flooded roads, especially where the water is moving. It takes 12” of water to move your car and less to sweep you off your feet.
Today’s rainfall will likely be record-breaking primarily along the Grand Strand. Listed below are the rainfall records and years for several cities:
Myrtle Beach: 2.18” / 2017
Loris: 1.4” / 2001
Conway: 4.95” / 1920
Florence: 3.21” / 2005
Lumberton: 3.11” / 2001
Darlington: 2.90” / 1977
Dillon: 4.77” / 1942