From drought to flooding in Myrtle Beach, SC area. Here’s what to expect with forecast

From dealing with moderate to extreme drought conditions in June and July, the weather forecast now has Horry County in a flood watch, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, North Carolina.

A flood watch has been put into effect beginning Thursday, July 25, 2024, and lasting until midnight in Horry County and several surrounding counties in North Carolina and South Carolina.

National Weather Service Science Officer Reid Hawkins said this does not mean a flood is coming, but that it is possible.

There are scattered showers predicted for Thursday morning and a 60% chance of rain for the afternoon and evening, Hawkins said. The rain will likely continue with a 70% chance on Friday and 60% on Saturday. It will dry off a bit Sunday and Monday and chances of storms return next Tuesday.

The Myrtle Beach area has been in a “Bermuda high” weather pattern recently, Hawkins said. Hot and moist air is coming from the south bringing waves of rain.

Although a flood would be less than ideal, South Carolina has been in need of rain to alleviate drought conditions.

June was a dry month for the Myrtle Beach area with July bringing a reprieve. So far in July, there have been 5.4 inches of rain in the Myrtle Beach area as compared to the average 4.2 inches, Hawkins said.

The S.C. Drought Response Committee announced July 24 that they downgraded the drought status for 13 counties, including Horry County. Horry County was in a severe drought on July 9 but is now in a moderate drought, according to the committee.

The Little Pee Dee river has had extreme low water levels, exposing the river bed in some areas. And while the river has shown “some recent increase in flow,” it still remains low, according to a release from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.