On Thursday at 4:55 a.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated tropical storm warning in effect until 1 p.m. for Georgetown County.
According to the weather service, “* LOCATIONS AFFECTED – Georgetown – Murrells Inlet * WIND – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind – Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 45 mph – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph – The wind threat has decreased from the previous assessment. – PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force. – PREPARE: Last minute efforts to protect property should now be complete. The area remains subject to limited wind damage. – ACT: Now is the time to shelter from hazardous wind. – POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding – Potential impacts from the main wind event are unfolding. * STORM SURGE – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Localized storm surge possible – Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for 1-3 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas – Window of concern: through Friday morning – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm surge flooding greater than 1 foot above ground – The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. – PLAN: Shelter against storm surge flooding greater than 1 foot above ground. – PREPARE: All flood preparations should be complete. Expect flooding of low-lying roads and property. – ACT: Stay away from storm surge prone areas. Continue to follow the instructions of local officials. – POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding – Potential impacts from the main surge event are unfolding. * FLOODING RAIN – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect – Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 2-4 inches, with locally higher amounts – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for extreme flooding rain – The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. – PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for extreme flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely. – PREPARE: Urgently consider protective actions from extreme and widespread rainfall flooding. – ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life. – POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Devastating to Catastrophic – Extreme flooding from rainfall may prompt numerous evacuations and rescues. – Rivers and streams may overwhelmingly overflow their banks with deep moving water. Creeks and ditches will become severely flooded and contain strong currents. – Flood waters may enter numerous structures, and some may become uninhabitable or washed away. Road scours or complete road failure is likely in many locations, along with the potential for sinkholes. Many streets and parking lots will flood, and may be impacted by swift, flowing water. Numerous road and low-lying bridge closures are likely with some weakened or washed away. Driving conditions will be very dangerous. – The delivery of drinking water and sewer services may be interrupted. Flood waters may be polluted and contain hazardous materials. * TORNADO – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: – Situation is unfavorable for tornadoes – THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Tornadoes not expected – The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. – PLAN: Tornadoes are not expected. Showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds may still occur. – PREPARE: Little to no preparations needed to protect against tornadoes at this time. Keep informed of the latest tornado situation. – ACT: Listen for changes in the forecast. – POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None – Little to no potential impacts from tornadoes.”
This warning is in effect until 1 p.m.