01/21/2025
❄ Monitoring Winter Weather Advisory and Making Preparations ❄
The City of North Myrtle Beach is actively monitoring the forecast for winter weather and is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors.
A Cold Weather Advisory from the National Weather Service is in effect from 10:00 PM tonight through 10:00 AM Tuesday morning, with wind chills expected to reach as low as the single digits in some areas.
In addition to the cold temperatures, light snow and sleet are possible, with current models predicting less than 1 inch of accumulation, but depending on the actual track of the system, we could see amounts slightly higher. While the snow is not expected to be significant for now, hazardous travel conditions are likely, especially overnight Tuesday and Wednesday, with a low risk of black ice on Wednesday morning. There is also the potential for freezing rain on Thursday and into Friday morning, which could further impact road conditions and travel safety.
City Preparations for Winter Weather:
To help mitigate the impact of these harsh winter conditions, the City of North Myrtle Beach is actively preparing:
- Fire Department: The North Myrtle Beach Fire Department will be increasing staffing levels for each shift from Tuesday through Thursday to ensure adequate response capacity during this period of extreme cold and wind chills. The heightened staffing will help address any emergency situations that may arise due to the weather.
- Public Works Department: The Public Works Department is working ahead of the storm by pretreating all bridges and key Public Safety areas with salt brine. This proactive measure is intended to reduce the likelihood of ice accumulation on critical roadways. A second treatment will be applied early Tuesday morning, focusing on major intersections throughout the City to ensure safe travel for commuters and emergency vehicles.
What You Can Do to Prepare:
Residents are encouraged to take the following steps to stay safe and warm during this cold weather event:
Protect Your Home:
- Insulate pipes or leave faucets dripping to prevent freezing.
- Ensure your heating system is in good working order.
- Seal drafts around windows and doors to keep heat inside.
Plan for Travel:
- Stay informed by monitoring forecasts and road conditions.
- Allow extra time for travel and consider delaying non-essential trips if snow or ice are present.
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including blankets, water, snacks, and a flashlight.
Bring Pets Indoors:
- Bring pets inside to keep them safe from the extreme cold.
- If outdoor shelter is necessary, provide warm, dry bedding and access to fresh, unfrozen water.
Stay Safe Outdoors:
- Dress in layers and wear a hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes or boots.
- Limit time outside, especially for children and pets.
- Be cautious of ice on sidewalks, driveways, and steps.
Check on Vulnerable Neighbors:
- Check in on elderly or at-risk neighbors to ensure they have enough heat, food, and supplies.
- Offer assistance with winter preparations if needed.
Prepare for Power Outages:
- Keep flashlights, extra batteries, and non-perishable foods on hand.
- Charge all electronic devices in advance.
Additional Information:
The City of North Myrtle Beach encourages everyone to stay informed as this weather event develops. Monitor official city updates and weather alerts through the City’s website and social media channels.
Winter weather can present challenges, but with preparation, we can ensure the safety of our community. Take the time now to get ready, stay safe, and keep warm!
Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
