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Hurricane Risk for Myrtle Beach, SC

No tropical storms currently threaten the Myrtle Beach area. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.

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On this page
  1. By the numbers
  2. Most recent hurricane
  3. Strongest ever
  4. Closest approach
  5. When hurricanes hit
  6. Recent notable storms
  7. Preparedness

Since 1851, 253 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Myrtle Beach. Here's what you should know.

Local note: Myrtle Beach's low-lying, gently sloping coastline and extensive beachfront development make storm surge the primary hazard, with recent major surge and wind impacts from storms like Category 4 Idalia (2023) and close approaches such as Ana (2015) underscoring its vulnerability.

By the numbers

Total storms
253
since 1851
Major (Cat 3+)
60
at closest approach
Hurricanes (Cat 1+)
158
all categories
County
Horry County
South Carolina

Most recent hurricane

Chantal (2025)

Passed within 16 miles of Myrtle Beach on July 06, 2025. Peak intensity: TS (57 mph).

Strongest hurricane ever to pass nearby

Dorian (2019)

Reached Cat 5 (184 mph) at its peak. Passed within 58 miles of Myrtle Beach.

Closest approach ever

Ana (2015)

Passed just 2.9 miles from Myrtle Beach on May 10, 2015.

When hurricanes hit Myrtle Beach

Distribution across the calendar year, based on every storm in the 150-mile radius since 1851:

Jan
0
Feb
0
Mar
0
Apr
0
May
11
Jun
33
Jul
28
Aug
46
Sep
79
Oct
50
Nov
5
Dec
1

Peak months are August through October, when the Atlantic season is most active. June, July, and November are secondary risk months.

Prep your supplies before the storm is named

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Recent notable storms (last 20 years)

Hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 200 miles in the last 20 years — these are the ones Myrtle Beach residents likely remember:

Storm Year Peak Closest Date
Dexter 2025 Cat 1 189 mi Aug 02, 2025
Debby 2024 Cat 1 69 mi Aug 08, 2024
Idalia 2023 Cat 4 19 mi Aug 31, 2023
Ian 2022 Cat 5 39 mi Sep 30, 2022
Elsa 2021 Cat 1 102 mi Jul 08, 2021
Isaias 2020 Cat 1 20 mi Aug 04, 2020
Eta 2020 Cat 4 87 mi Nov 13, 2020
Sally 2020 Cat 2 117 mi Sep 18, 2020
Dorian 2019 Cat 5 58 mi Sep 06, 2019
Florence 2018 Cat 4 10 mi Sep 15, 2018
Michael 2018 Cat 5 144 mi Oct 11, 2018
Matthew 2016 Cat 5 21 mi Oct 08, 2016
Hermine 2016 Cat 1 25 mi Sep 03, 2016
Arthur 2014 Cat 2 66 mi Jul 03, 2014
Irene 2011 Cat 3 118 mi Aug 27, 2011
Hanna 2008 Cat 1 7 mi Sep 06, 2008
Andrea 2007 Cat 1 199 mi May 09, 2007
Ernesto 2006 Cat 1 42 mi Sep 01, 2006

Preparedness

  1. Know your zone. Myrtle Beach is in Horry County — look up your evacuation zone here.
  2. Get alerts early. Sign up below — we'll notify you when storms first form in the basin, not just when they're at your doorstep.
  3. Have 3+ days of supplies. Water (1 gal/person/day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash.
  4. Have an evacuation plan. Know where you'll go, how you'll get there, what you'll bring.
  5. Follow official orders. If your zone is told to evacuate, leave. Don't wait.