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The National Hurricane Center issued an area to watch for tropical activity forming in the Northeastern gulf.
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As of Wednesday morning, there’s a 20% chance of formation over the next seven days for tropical cyclone formation that could travel across central Florida and up into southeast Georgia and the coast of South Carolina. If a named storm develops, it would be named “Bertha.”
Meteorologist Stephen Keebler with the National Weather Service in Wilmington said there’s no immediate threat to the Myrtle Beach area. It’s still quite early to predict if and when the system may develop.
The system looks as of now to bring some extra rain to the area, Keebler said, but forecasts will be more accurate by Friday.
“We are still in drought status here in the Eastern Carolinas,” he said. “That could really be a system that’s beneficial with slow moving and a lot of rainfall if it develops.”
Since the system appears to stay close to land, Keebler said it likely won’t be a strong wind maker.
The main threat to watch for would be short-term flooding, even with the drought status.
Atlantic hurricane season off to a quiet start
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season to see eight to 14 named storms, three to six hurricanes, with one to three developing into major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).
Tropical Storm Arthur developed in the gulf on June 17, dumping heavy rain in portions of Texas before dissipating near Louisiana, still producing strong storms and heavy rain across the southeast.
Tropical Storm Arthur is the only named storm so far during the Atlantic season, but it’s still early. Hurricane season started June 1.
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Lead Meteorologist Courtney Maskell for the NWS in Charleston said in a typical Atlantic hurricane season, the first named storm forms by June 20, the first hurricane by Aug. 11 and the first major hurricane by Sept. 1.
A strengthening El Niño has major impacts as the climate event typically produces strong vertical wind shear, which is unfavorable for Atlantic hurricane formation.
El Niño, and its counterpart La Niña, is the warm and cool phases of the earth’s climate patterns. An El Niño has already formed, with chances of it becoming one of the strongest El Niños on record. The strength of an El Niño does not guarantee stronger weather impacts, but may increase the likelihood of them occurring.
El Niño is more likely to bring a wetter season in the southeast with increased flooding.
How to prep for a tropical storm or hurricane
Horry County’s lists important information to know during an emergency, including essential items, evacuation zones and traffic routes.
Before a storm hits, emergency managers urge residents to create an emergency kit, including items such as water, non-perishable food, batteries, electronic chargers, a radio, a first aid kit, flashlights, identification, importation documents, cash, medications, pet items, toiletries, blankets and extra clothes.
Hurricane evacuations are issued by the governor when deemed necessary and are considered mandatory. Evacuation zones (A, B and C) are determined by potential storm surge and not by category of storm. Residents outside an evacuation zone can still evacuate, and those leaving do not have to wait until the designated time begins.
Public shelters are available, and Coast RTA provides free transportation to shelters when evacuations are ordered. Residents should look for temporary blue and white hurricane evacuation bus stop signs to find pickup locations. All rides end at officially designated emergency shelters, and return trips only stop at the designated pickup points.
Officials say residents should be self-sufficient for the first 72 hours after a storm as it can be difficult for emergency assistance to reach certain areas of the county depending on flooding or other hazards blocking a route.
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