Since the Intracoastal Waterway was cut through in 1936, Myrtle Beach has technically sat on its own strip of land between the canal and the Atlantic. The city stands about 26 feet above sea level, collects roughly 53 inches of rain a year and sits in the path of storms that have shaped its history, with Hurricane Hazel in 1954 still ranked as the worst.
Fire & Water Energy is a referral service and not a contractor. Call (866) 937-3230 and we will try to link you with an independent restoration company that covers Myrtle Beach; availability depends on local providers. The how-it-works page and referral disclosure explain more.
Hazel, Hugo and a crowded FEMA list
Hazel in 1954 remains the most destructive hurricane in city history, and Hugo in 1989 also caused major damage. Multiple tornadoes touched down in 2001. Horry County has been part of eleven FEMA major disaster declarations since 2000, among them Tropical Storm Debby (DR-4835) in 2024, Hurricane Ian in 2022, Hurricane Dorian in 2019, Hurricane Florence in 2018, Hurricane Irma in 2017, Hurricane Matthew in 2016, the 2015 Severe Storms and Flooding, and Hurricane Charley and Tropical Storm Frances in 2004.
The county's emergency management office lists hurricanes as its main concern, followed by flooding, thunderstorms, tornadoes and winter storms. Snow is rare, though 2.8 inches fell in February 2010, and frost shows up on around 33 days in a typical year.
Condos, beach houses and water damage repair
Many properties here are condos and rentals, so a leak in one unit can drip into the ones below. Summer humidity driven by the Bermuda High keeps air conditioners working hard, and clogged condensate drains, failed water heaters and loose washing machine hoses are frequent causes of soaked floors and ceilings. Salt air also wears on flashing, windows and HVAC parts over time.
For water damage restoration in Myrtle Beach, a reputable company will identify the source, check neighboring units or rooms with moisture meters, extract water and dry the structure before water damage repair begins. In condos, ask how they will coordinate with the HOA.
Federal disaster declarations that included Horry County
FEMA records show Horry County was included in 11 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (7 hurricane, 2 severe ice storm, 1 tropical storm, 1 flood, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Myrtle Beach was affected. The most recent:
- 2024 – Tropical Storm Debby (DR-4835)
- 2022 – Hurricane Ian (DR-4677)
- 2019 – Hurricane Dorian (DR-4464)
- 2018 – Hurricane Florence (DR-4394)
- 2017 – Hurricane Irma (DR-4346)
- 2016 – Hurricane Matthew (DR-4286)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, retrieved 2026-10-10. Counts include major disaster (DR) declarations with hurricane, flood, severe storm, tropical storm, fire, tornado, coastal storm, winter or ice storm, mudslide and dam/levee incident types.
Water, fire or storm damage in Myrtle Beach?
Call (866) 937-3230 and tell us what happened at your Myrtle Beach property.
Smoke cleanup in shared buildings
In multi-unit buildings, smoke from one fire can travel through hallways, shafts and shared ventilation into units that never saw a flame. Firefighting water then adds a second problem to deal with in the coastal humidity.
Contractors who handle smoke damage cleanup typically test surfaces, clean soot with methods suited to each material and treat odor in drywall and ductwork. Ask whether they follow IICRC S700 and how they will document affected contents.
Surge, downpours and Grand Strand storm cleanup
Coastal surge and downpours that overwhelm low-lying drainage are the two flood threats to watch. September is the wettest month on average, right when tropical systems peak.
Treat any water from outdoors as contaminated. Flood damage restoration usually involves removing wet drywall, insulation and flooring and disinfecting framing. Roof damage, fallen trees and debris from hurricanes and tornadoes fall under hurricane damage cleanup.
Keeping mold down along the Grand Strand
With summer humidity and ocean water often near 80°F, damp materials can start growing mold within a couple of days, especially in closed-up vacation units. Run the AC, use dehumidifiers and remove wet carpet pad promptly.
The EPA notes that homeowners can often clean mold areas of about 10 square feet or less. Larger growth, mold after flooding or growth spreading between units calls for mold remediation with containment, HEPA filtration and clearance checks.
Before and after a storm in Myrtle Beach
- Call 911 for fire, injuries, gas leaks or people trapped by water.
- Sign up for Horry County's Code Red alerts and keep a NOAA weather radio with fresh batteries.
- Look up your evacuation zone on the county's Know Your Zone page and leave when ordered.
- Do not enter flooded rooms with the power on; shut off electricity only if you can do it safely.
- Photograph everything and keep receipts. Wind, flood and condo association policies each have their own terms, so check with your insurer or agent.
Other coastal communities appear on our South Carolina page.
Neighborhoods and nearby communities
Areas in and around Myrtle Beach that callers often mention include:
- Market Common
- Pine Lakes
- The Dunes
- Grande Dunes
- Arcadian Shores
- Withers Swash
- Ocean Forest
- Myrtle Heights
- Springmaid Beach
- Futrell Park
Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Myrtle Beach):
- Socastee · 6 mi
- Garden City · 10 mi
- Murrells Inlet · 13 mi
- Conway · 14 mi
- North Myrtle Beach · 15 mi
- Little River · 20 mi
Myrtle Beach restoration FAQs
When is the riskiest time of year for water damage in Myrtle Beach?
September is the wettest month on average and falls at the peak of hurricane season. Late summer and early fall see the most storm-related leaks and flooding, while humidity keeps mold risk high through the warm months.
How do I get emergency alerts in Horry County?
The county uses the Code Red alert system and also lists NOAA Weather Radio, local FM stations and TV as information sources. Sign up for Code Red through the county emergency management website before storm season.
Water from the unit above leaked into my condo. What should I do?
Notify the upstairs owner and your HOA or property manager right away so the source can be shut off. Get pictures of every stained ceiling and wet floor, then open a claim conversation with your carrier. Responsibility between unit owners and the association depends on your governing documents and policies.
Can you help in Surfside Beach, Conway or North Myrtle Beach?
Many restoration companies work across the Grand Strand and Horry County, though each sets its own territory. Call and we will try to locate an independent provider who reaches your address.
Does Fire & Water Energy have a Myrtle Beach office?
No. Fire & Water Energy has no local office or crews. As a referral service, we try to connect callers with independent contractors, and availability depends on local providers.
Restoration guides
- Water Damage Restoration
- Flood Damage Restoration
- Hurricane Damage Cleanup
- Mold Remediation
- Smoke Damage Cleanup
- Water Damage Repair