Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand sit directly on South Carolina's Atlantic coast in a primary hurricane exposure zone. The city's massive tourism economy — over 20 million visitors annually — creates complex emergency management challenges, particularly during summer peak season when the population swells enormously. Florence in 2018 caused catastrophic flooding across Horry County with the Waccamaw River cresting at record levels miles inland from the beach.
// Preparedness Recommendations
- Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
- Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
- Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
- Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.
// Recommended Supplies
Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.
- Emergency Food Supplies
- Water Filtration & Storage
- Backup Generator
- Solar Backup Power
* We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
// Risk Intelligence
| Threat Score | 8 / 10 High |
| Primary Hazard | Hurricane / Storm Surge |
| FEMA Flood Zone | Zone AE (High Risk) |
| County FEMA Declarations | 52 |
| Last Major Event | Hurricane Florence (2018) |
// Emergency Information
| Emergency Phone | (843) 918-1000 |
| Evacuation Routes | US-501 West, US-17 North, US-74 West, SC-9 West |
| Elevation | 32 ft above sea level |
// County Risk Profile
Horry County SC
South Carolina · Hurricane / Storm Surge
View full county emergency preparedness profile →
8/10
High Risk