Here’s how coastal South Carolina cities are responding to damage caused by Hurricane Ian

Maya Brown
Town of Surfside Beach

Cities in Horry County are assessing damages after Hurricane Ian brought a storm surge, heavy winds and rain to the area Friday.

The storm made landfall in Georgetown, about 40 miles south of downtown Myrtle Beach, after 2 p.m.

Some areas received 2 to 4 inches of rain and winds reached up to 70 miles per hour, according to figures by the National Weather Service.

Myrtle Beach removes debris, clears access points

City crews were out early Saturday removing debris and barbs from sand fences and clearing beach accesses, according to a Facebook post.

It shows how the storm damaged sand dunes and the amount of sand that was onshore afterwards.

City officials also provided information to residential customers on how to dispose of debris.

  • Storm debris must be placed within 15 feet of the edge of your street.

  • Commercial contractors of are not allowed to discard debris on the public right-of-way.

  • Separate debris into categorized piles, or it will not be picked up.

  • Sort tree branches and limbs into one pile.

  • Compile construction debris, including lumber and furniture in another pile.

  • Separate other materials into piles based on content.

North Myrtle Beach is checking water, sewers

City officials are keeping track of damage for state and federal reports, according to a Facebook post.

Crews are monitoring water and sewer stations as needed.

Officials encourage residents to stay out of water due to debris.

Storm battered North Myrtle Beach residents show gratitude, resolve as cleanup begins

Surfside Beach clears swashes, trash

Town officials shared photos on Facebook of dune damage after the hurricane.

The city’s Facebook page also shows two photos of the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Surfside Drive. The left photo is from Frriday when it was flooded. The photo on the right is from early Saturday, and the water has cleared out.

The town’s pier, which has been under construction, did not suffer any structural damage, according to a news release.

But there has been damage to the construction trestle and sand is covering equipment.

Town officials said people have been trespassing on the pier and warned residents against it as it could be dangerous.

“We are asking the public to stay clear of the pier, as construction sites are inherently dangerous. This cannot be stressed enough, do not walk on, around or under the pier,” the release stated. There may be equipment or material buried under the sand that if someone falls or steps on could cause serious injury.”

Precipitation totals, wind speeds over 24 hours

Precipitation totals (inches)

  • Myrtle Beach: 2.68 inches

  • North Myrtle Beach: 3.41 inches

Peak wind speeds (miles per hour)

  • Springmade Pier - 61 mph

  • Myrtle Beach - 53 mph

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