Myrtle Beach Disaster Risk Score & Hazard Analysis
With a population of 325,829 and a calculated risk score of 98.3, Myrtle Beach faces unique challenges. This page is a complete hazard risk assessment for Myrtle Beach, SC. For residents of Myrtle Beach, life moves at its own pace. Unfortunately, nature can be unpredictable in this region. You should be particularly prepared for hurricanes events.
Total Risk Score
Our algorithm assigns Myrtle Beach a Risk Score of 98.313 out of 100. This score is heavily influenced by the high probability of Hurricane and Lightning.
Hurricane risk in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Being situated in a region vulnerable to tropical cyclones, Myrtle Beach faces threats from high winds and storm surge. Historical data shows significant impacts from major storms, requiring robust flood insurance and evacuation planning.
Myrtle Beach Hurricane Prep Checklist
- •Know your specific evacuation zone and local routes
- •Install storm shutters or measure/cut plywood in advance
- •Stock at least 7 days of water and non-perishable food
Top Hazards for The Myrtle Beach Area
As part of the wider South Carolina region, the threat of hurricanes should not be underestimated. However, this quantitative assessment yields a precise risk factor of 99.6. Flood insurance is highly recommended, even for those technically outside the 100-year floodplain.
Considering the historical weather trends in South Carolina, data indicates that Myrtle Beach has a higher-than-average exposure to lightning. It is important to note that this metric (score: 97.4) aligns with federal disaster declarations for the county. Keeping trees trimmed near power lines reduces the risk of prolonged outages.
In the broader context of South Carolina's climate, tornadoes represent a significant vector of concern for Myrtle Beach. Furthermore, recent climate normals and historical event data contribute to this elevated score of 96.1. Insulation and sealing drafts can be a lifesaver when a tornado strains the power grid.
The Apartment Fortress
Living in Myrtle Beach? Learn how to handle water storage, sanitation, and security in a small space.
How to Prepare in Myrtle Beach
Read the Full Guide →For Myrtle Beach, water protection is key. The combination of high winds and potential storm surge requires a multi-layered approach. You need to be ready to shelter in place for 72 hours or evacuate at a moment's notice.
Critical Action Checklist
- 1Elevate critical documents and electronics off the floor.
- 2Have a 'Go-Bag' ready in case evacuation orders are issued.
- 3Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for 7 days.
- 4Identify your evacuation zone and map out two different routes.
- 5Install storm shutters or have pre-cut plywood ready for windows.
Essential Gear for Myrtle Beach
Water
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Filters up to 100,000 gallons. Essential when tap water is compromised.
Power
Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
600 lumens and rechargeable. Hands-free lighting is critical during power outages.
Power
Jackery Explorer 300
Keep phones and laptops charged during multi-day outages.
Your safety depends on your readiness. Start building your emergency kit for Hurricane now.
View Complete Gear Checklist →Compare Nearby Cities
| City | Risk Score | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 99.0 | When compared to Charleston, Myrtle Beach is statistically safer. The difference of 0.7 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Columbia | 90.8 | Choosing between Myrtle Beach and Columbia? Myrtle Beach presents a unique set of challenges. |
| Greenville | 83.8 | When compared to Greenville, Myrtle Beach is slightly higher risk. The difference of 14.5 points highlights local geological and meteorological variations. |
| Rock Hill | 83.6 | Rock Hill and Myrtle Beach share similar regional risks, but our data gives Rock Hill the edge in overall safety. |
| Spartanburg | 78.4 | Choosing between Myrtle Beach and Spartanburg? Myrtle Beach presents a unique set of challenges. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are Hurricanes in Myrtle Beach?
With a risk score of 99.6 for Hurricane, Myrtle Beach is considered highly vulnerable. Residents should have a specific plan for Hurricane events, which are the primary driver of the city's overall risk profile.
Is Myrtle Beach safer than other cities in South Carolina?
It varies by hazard. While Myrtle Beach has its own risk profile (Total Score: 98.3), it is among the higher-risk areas in South Carolina. See our state rankings for a direct comparison.
Should I move to Myrtle Beach given the risk of Lightning?
Every city has risks. The threat of Lightning (Score: 97.4) is manageable with proper preparation. The local infrastructure in Myrtle Beach is designed to handle this, but personal insurance and a 'go-bag' are recommended.
How does Myrtle Beach compare to other cities in South Carolina?
See the full South Carolina Disaster Rankings to see how Myrtle Beach stacks up against other cities in the state.