Hurricane Ian predicted to bring harsh weather to Myrtle Beach late this week

The National Weather Service is encouraging people in northeast South Carolina and southeast North Carolina to remain vigilant of Hurricane Ian as it is predicted to bring harsh weather to the Carolina coasts later this week.

“The well-defined eye of Ian emerged off the coast of western Cuba about an hour ago,” according to the National Hurricane Center’s 11 a.m. update.

Tropical storm conditions are expected in southwest and west-central Florida by this evening.

“There continues to be a chance that southeast NC and northeast SC will see some impacts from Ian Friday and into the weekend, but the magnitude of impacts continues to depend on the eventual track of the storm,” Warning Coordination Meteorologist Steven Pfaff with the National Weather Service said. “Initial storm total rainfall estimates could exceed 6 to 8 inches across coastal areas with isolated higher amounts. ... There is also a potential for isolated tornadoes, especially Saturday into Saturday night.”

As Ian approaches the west coast of Florida, it is predicted to make landfall there on Thursday.

Meteorologists are saying that Ian’s impact in the Myrtle Beach area for Friday through Saturday is still unpredictable, but there are currently zero tropical storm watches for the area.

“The large fetch of wind between Ian and large high pressure to the north will result in persistent onshore flow which will lead to coastal flooding even as early as Thursday. Rough surf and beach erosion are also possible as a result of the wave action along the shoreline. These beach/surf conditions are expected to persist into Saturday,” Pfaff said.