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Storm surge in Myrtle Beach, Ocean Isle Beach creates heavy flooding
OCEAN ISLE BEACH, N.C. — As the Triangle deals with downed trees and power outages on Saturday, coastal communities are dealing with the aftermath of flooding from storm surge.
The bridge to Ocean Isle Beach closed Friday due to flooding from storm surge. At one point, roads resembled rivers, and there was so much water the street was invisible.
The problem was made worse because the surge came at high tide. On Saturday, most of the water had receded. WRAL News crews could not find significant permanent damage, although some cars were partially submerged.
Along the South Carolina coast, Myrtle Beach was among the hardest hit areas.
Cameras were rolling as Cherry Grove Pier, a landmark built in North Myrtle Beach in the early 1950s, was torn apart by strong waves from Ian.
There was also significant flooding in the Cherry Grove neighborhood, with roads turning into rivers similar to conditions in Ocean Isle Beach. Yards and roads were flooded, with water reaching mailboxes.
Myrtle Beach saw record-breaking storm surge at more than 6 feet because of Hurricane Ian. The water overtook Ocean Boulevard and nearby streets, mainly on the east side of Highway 17, a stretch filled with restaurants and attractions that runs along the coastline.
Heavy winds ripped roofs and siding off businesses and homes in Myrtle Beach. At the height of the storm’s wind gusts, the roof of one hotel peeled back and blew off.