Hurricane season in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina runs from June to November each year. The peak months for hurricane activity are August and September. If you are planning a golf vacation in Myrtle Beach during this time of year, you need to prepare before you arrive at your golf destination. This article provides tips and advice on how to weather any storm the tropics may throw at you while enjoying your golf vacation.
NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, predicts that 2005 will be another above-average Atlantic hurricane season. The organization forecasts 12 to 15 tropical storms, 7 to 9 hurricanes, and 3 to 5 major hurricanes. Golfers on vacation should not take these predictions lightly. We have already seen one of the most active joules in the history of hurricane tracking.
Golfers shouldn’t let these predictions deter them from taking a golf trip to the Myrtle Beach area during the summer and fall seasons. Summer golf offerings along the Grand Strand are warmer than our southern summers. Plus, fall in Myrtle Beach offers golfers lower lodging rates to keep up with the drop in temperatures and humidity.
If you’re unlucky enough to be right in the middle of a golf vacation when a hurricane hits the coast of the Carolinas, don’t worry. Unlike an unexpected afternoon thunderstorm, hurricanes don’t sneak up on the South Carolina coast. This gives vacationing golfers plenty of time to leave before the situation becomes dangerous.
The best advice we can offer if you plan to visit the Grand Strand golf area during hurricane season is to keep an eye on the extended weather forecast for Myrtle Beach. If a hurricane approaches during your trip, don’t panic. As soon as it seems that you may need to abandon your golf vacation, start taking these steps.
- Look at the local weather station and follow their advice.
- Check previous flights and arrive at the airport earlier.
- Fill your car with a full tank of gas at the first sign of a hurricane.
- Plot evacuation routes before leaving.
- Pack water and food in case of traffic jams when driving.
- Do not wait until the last minute to evacuate.
Most golf packages provide refunds or rain checks for cancellations and evacuations due to hurricanes. Be sure to ask about this before you book your Myrtle Beach golf vacation. Even if you’re not planning a golf trip to Myrtle Beach during hurricane season, ask your golf package provider about refunds and cancellations caused by bad weather.
Whatever you do, don’t take the threat of hurricanes lightly. Pay attention to local weather forecasts. Listen to local officials. Follow the steps above and give yourself plenty of time to evacuate your golf vacation destination safely.
Copyright 2005 Evans Putman – All Rights Reserved. Reprints allowed see below.