Summary (tl;dr)

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is experiencing a rare and significant snowfall, with several inches accumulating, leading to hazardous travel conditions and local closures, but also providing a unique winter experience for residents.

Essential Background

Myrtle Beach typically enjoys a humid subtropical climate, characterized by abundant sunshine year-round, warm summers, and mild winters. Snowfall is an extremely rare occurrence in this coastal city, with average snowy days in February typically being zero, making any significant accumulation highly unusual.

The Full Story

A powerful winter storm, characterized by some as a "bomb cyclone," has brought heavy snow and subfreezing temperatures to the East Coast, impacting areas unaccustomed to such conditions, including Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. As of Sunday, February 1, 2026, the Myrtle Beach area received between 3 to 5 inches of snow overnight, with other parts of Horry County, such as Loris, reporting up to 7 inches of accumulation. This unexpected winter weather has resulted in hazardous driving conditions, leading to numerous vehicle accidents and slide-offs across Horry County, prompting authorities to advise residents to stay off the roads. The extreme cold and snow have also led to service disruptions, including the closure of the Horry County Sheriff's Office on Monday and the cancellation of the annual Polar Plunge. Despite the challenges, residents have embraced the unusual event, with many seen digging out, making snow angels, and even sledding down highway overpasses.

Why It Matters

The rare snowfall in Myrtle Beach is a significant weather event for the region, as local infrastructure is not typically equipped for snow removal, leading to considerable disruption to daily life. The hazardous road conditions pose safety risks and have resulted in numerous traffic incidents. Furthermore, the unexpected winter blast has impacted local events and services, highlighting the challenges extreme weather can present to unprepared areas. The rarity of snow in this popular coastal destination has also captivated public interest, offering a unique, albeit disruptive, winter experience for residents.

Geographic Location

• Myrtle Beach, Horry County, South Carolina, United States (rare and significant snowfall, road closures, residents enjoying snow, airport flight cancellations)
• Loris, Horry County, South Carolina, United States (highest snowfall in Horry County, up to 7 inches)
• Conway, Horry County, South Carolina, United States (residents digging out from snow, thawing pipes, making snow angels)
• Grande Dunes area, Myrtle Beach, Horry County, South Carolina, United States (road signs damaged due to icy roads)