A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 11:22 p.m. for gusty showers until Thursday at 12:45 a.m. for Marion, Williamsburg, Horry and Georgetown counties.
Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 11:20 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a cold front along a line extending from 8 miles southwest of Warsaw to near Jamestown. Movement was southeast at 40 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Wilmington, Myrtle Beach, Conway, North Myrtle Beach, Leland, Georgetown, Oak Island, Carolina Beach, Whiteville, DeBordieu Colony, Burgaw, Surfside Beach, Shallotte, Sunset Beach, Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, Surf City, Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach and Caswell Beach. This includes the following highways: Interstate 40 between mile markers 388 and 416. Interstate 140 between mile markers 15 and 20.
The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.”
This alert is in effect until Thursday at 12:45 a.m.
Rainy day rules: How to stay safe in heavy precipitation
When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of rapid water flow:During heavy rain, avoid playing near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.
Maintain safe driving distances:The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.
Slow down and drive with care:On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
Visibility matters:Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots. When stopping roadside, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.
