Christmas ‘Grinch’ of a storm forces closure of holiday lights in Myrtle Beach area

Residents are being told to secure holiday decor and outdoor items as a coastal storm is expected to hit the Myrtle Beach area Sunday.

The powerful storm will bring impacts similar to a tropical storm, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington. The Horry County Emergency Services is advising people to remain weather aware.

Horry County residents can expect heavy rain from 3 to 6 inches and wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph. There also will be coastal flooding, beach erosion and dangerous marine conditions, including a gale watch.

Residents should be prepared for power outages, hazardous travel conditions and possible road closures.

In preparation of the storm, city officials announced Friday on social media that the Myrtle Beach’s Winter Wonderland at the Beach oceanfront light display will be closed until further notice.

The post said that parks crews are removing the tall structures, electrical boxes and dune displays ahead of the storm.

Some groups are canceling holiday parties and the city has closed the Gen. Robert H. Reed Recreation Center.

The city of North Myrtle Beach also has closed its The Great Christmas Light Show, Santa’s Village and the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex on Sunday. The complex will reopen on Dec. 18, according to the city’s X, formerly known as Twitter, post.

The area also experienced high winds and rain on Dec. 10, causing downed trees in roadways and reports of damaged holiday decorations.

The city of Conway posted a video on its social media showing decorations that had been knocked over by the storm. However, officials had fun with the situation by having someone dressed up as the Grinch going around surveying the decorations and eventually being arrested by a Conway police officer.