Myrtle Beach Weather Radar
Myrtle Beach Live Weather
Myrtle Beach Live Weather Radar
Myrtle Beach Hourly Weather Forecast
Myrtle Beach 7-Day Weather Forecast
Myrtle Beach Weather Overview
Myrtle Beach sits along South Carolina's Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of Atlantic coastline in Horry County. The city's humid-subtropical climate delivers long, hot summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and mild winters moderated by the ocean. Checking the Myrtle Beach weather radar is essential for this resort region stretching from Conway to Surfside Beach — low-elevation barrier island terrain that funnels storm surge rapidly inland.
Hurricanes are the most severe threat to the Grand Strand. Hurricane Hugo made landfall in 1989 as a Category 4 storm, causing catastrophic wind damage and a deadly surge across coastal South Carolina. Hurricane Florence in September 2018 brought record rainfall that caused catastrophic flooding along the Waccamaw River through Conway and Horry County. Hurricane Matthew in October 2016 forced mass evacuations along the coast. Active Myrtle Beach weather radar monitoring is essential throughout the June-through-November hurricane season — the myrtle beach sc weather radar shows rain bands and storm movement in real time as tropical systems approach.
Year-round, severe thunderstorms bring damaging winds and heavy rain from spring through early fall. Myrtle Beach averages approximately 52 inches of rainfall annually according to NOAA records, with September typically the wettest month. The NWS Wilmington office (WFO ILM) issues watches and warnings for the Grand Strand. Use the live myrtle beach weather radar to track afternoon sea breeze storms before they reach shore. Winter ice storms occasionally disrupt travel along US-17. Myrtle Beach doppler radar helps millions of annual visitors plan around rapidly developing coastal weather.
Myrtle Beach Weather Risks & Safety
Hurricane & Tropical Storm Risk
Myrtle Beach sits in the path of Atlantic and Gulf tropical systems. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, peaking in August and September when warm sea surface temperatures fuel rapid intensification. On the radar, you can track the eye wall, rain bands, and embedded tornadoes as a storm approaches. If you live in Myrtle Beach, keep your evacuation plan current and check the radar frequently once a tropical advisory is issued.
Flooding & Flash Flood Risk
Flash flooding is Myrtle Beach's most persistent weather hazard. Slow-moving thunderstorms or tropical moisture can dump enough rain to overwhelm drainage systems within hours — especially in paved urban areas where water has nowhere to go. Check the radar to see where the heaviest rain is falling and which areas to avoid. The standing rule: turn around, don't drown. Never drive through flooded roads, even if they look shallow.
Severe Thunderstorm Risk
Severe thunderstorms roll through Myrtle Beach regularly, especially spring through early fall. Expect damaging winds above 58 mph, large hail, and dangerous lightning. The radar shows you each storm cell's position, movement, and intensity — so you can tell if one is headed your way. When a thunderstorm warning drops for Myrtle Beach, get indoors and away from windows until it passes.
How to Use Myrtle Beach Weather Radar
Check Current Conditions
Look at the weather status bar at the top of the Myrtle Beach radar page. It shows temperature, humidity, wind speed, and current conditions — useful before heading to the beach or Broadway at the Beach.
Track Storms on the Radar Map
The interactive radar map shows precipitation moving across the Grand Strand. Hit play on the animation to see storm direction and speed, especially when tropical moisture or afternoon sea breeze storms are building along the coast.
Review the Hourly and 7-Day Forecast
Scroll to the hourly and 7-day forecast below the radar. Look for incoming thunderstorms or tropical systems affecting the Myrtle Beach area. Summer storms on the Grand Strand can develop fast — the hourly view helps you plan activities around them.
Monitor Hurricane Season Activity
During June through November, check back frequently when tropical systems are active in the Atlantic. The radar tracks rain bands and storm position in real time — critical for monitoring surge threats along the Intracoastal Waterway and low-lying coastal areas.
Who Benefits from Myrtle Beach Weather Radar
Commuters & Drivers
Drivers on US-17 and US-501 into Myrtle Beach — check radar before heading out to spot flooding and severe storms on your route.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Beachgoers along the Grand Strand and Myrtle Beach State Park — see incoming thunderstorms 30 minutes out before they reach the shore.
Event Planners & Families
Planning an event at Broadway at the Beach or Barefoot Landing? Radar shows exactly when storms will arrive along the coast.
Outdoor Workers
Construction and hospitality crews across Horry County — check radar before outdoor work; coastal storms bring lightning with little warning.