Tornado and Flash Flooding in South Carolina, December 17, 2023

Name: Tornado and Flash Flooding in South Carolina, December 17, 2023
Start: 2023-12-17T12:00
End: 2023-12-17T17:43
Location: South Carolina

December 17, 2023 · NWS ILM · 13 events in 3 counties and zones

A strong nor'easter brought coastal flooding, strong winds, and flooding. Record rainfall totals and record low barometric pressure for December observed at 4 climate sites.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 1 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $210,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 13

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS ILM wrote it up.

A strong nor'easter brought coastal flooding, strong winds, and flooding. Record rainfall totals and record low barometric pressure for December observed at 4 climate sites.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Wilmington, NC wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Dec 17, 10:00 AM EST, 2 hours earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Dec 17, 10:00 AM EST, 2 hours before

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Hazardous weather outlook, Dec 17, 9:09 AM EST, 2 hours 51 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
909 AM EST Sun Dec 17 2023

SCZ054-056-181415-
Coastal Horry-Coastal Georgetown-
909 AM EST Sun Dec 17 2023

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EST MONDAY...
...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EST THIS EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast South Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Surf Advisory.
   Coastal Flood Advisory.
   Wind Advisory.

Heavy rain at times could lead to nuisance type flooding including
temporary ponding of water across low-lying areas.

Isolated severe thunderstorms are possible with damaging wind gusts
the primary threat.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Surf Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

AMZ250-252-254-256-181415-
Coastal waters from Surf City to Cape Fear NC out 20 nm-
Coastal waters from Cape Fear NC to Little River Inlet SC out 20 nm-
Coastal waters from Little River Inlet to Murrells Inlet SC out
20 nm-
Coastal waters from Murrells Inlet to South Santee River SC out
20 nm-
909 AM EST Sun Dec 17 2023

...STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST MONDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the adjacent Coastal Waters.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Storm Warning.

Small Craft Advisory or Gale Warning will immediately follow the
Storm Warning, with the small craft advisory possibly lasting well
into Tuesday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NCZ099-105-SCZ055-058-059-181415-
Columbus-Inland Pender-Inland Georgetown-Central Horry-
Northern Horry-
909 AM EST Sun Dec 17 2023

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast North Carolina and
northeast South Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

A strong coastal storm affecting the area today through tonight will
bring strong gusty winds and heavy rain at times that could lead to
nuisance type flooding that includes temporary ponding of water
across low-lying areas.

Isolated severe thunderstorms are possible with damaging wind and
tornados the primary threat.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NCZ107-109-181415-
Inland New Hanover-Inland Brunswick-
909 AM EST Sun Dec 17 2023

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast North Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Coastal Flood Advisory.

A strong coastal storm affecting the area today through tonight will
bring strong gusty winds and heavy rain at times that could lead to
nuisance type flooding that includes temporary ponding of water
across low-lying areas.

Isolated severe thunderstorms are possible with damaging wind and
tornados the primary threat.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NCZ106-108-110-181415-
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Brunswick-
909 AM EST Sun Dec 17 2023

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EST MONDAY...
...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EST THIS EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast North Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Surf Advisory.
   Coastal Flood Advisory.
   Wind Advisory.

Heavy rain at times could lead to nuisance type flooding including
temporary ponding of water across low-lying areas.

Isolated severe thunderstorms are possible with damaging wind gusts
and tornados the primary threat.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Surf Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NCZ087-096-SCZ017-023-024-032-033-039-181415-
Robeson-Bladen-Marlboro-Darlington-Dillon-Florence-Marion-
Williamsburg-
909 AM EST Sun Dec 17 2023

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast North Carolina and
northeast South Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

A strong coastal storm affecting the area today through tonight will
bring strong gusty winds and heavy rain at times that could lead to
nuisance type flooding that includes temporary ponding of water
across low-lying areas.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Monday through Saturday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

The radar

The Wilmington radar (KLTX), 75 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 17:01 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

9 flash flood, 2 thunderstorm wind, 1 high wind, 1 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Georgetown

When: December 17, 12:00 PM EST
Where: Georgetown County, Murrells Inlet
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 33.550, -79.050

Tree uprooted in Murrells Inlet.

Flash Flood, Georgetown

When: December 17, 12:50 PM EST to 1:50 PM EST
Where: Georgetown County, 0.69 mi N of Georgetown to 0.53 mi ENE of Georgetown
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 33.380, -79.300

US-17 closed from Highmarket Street to Sampit River Bridge due to flooding.

High Wind, Florence

When: December 17, 1:00 PM EST to 2:00 PM EST
Where: Florence forecast zone
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Social Media
Coordinates: 34.024, -79.703 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

An apparent gravity wave caused widespread trees and powerlines down across much of the county.

Tornado, Horry

When: December 17, 1:16 PM EST to 1:20 PM EST
Where: Horry County, 0.44 mi NE of Stalvey to 1.74 mi SSW of Pine Is
Rating: EF1
Path length: 2.35 mi
Path width: 150 yd
Property damage: $200,000
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 33.684, -78.974

The tornado touched down south of Socastee Blvd between Everette|St and Tyner St, snapping several large trees and blowing off|portions of roofs from a few mobile homes. It moved north,|skipped across Socastee Blvd, and snapped several large pines|along Village Dr. Eight homes suffered moderate to major damage|as a result of falling trees. The storm cell continued north|across inaccessible property, and emerged near Folly Rd and|Wayland Circle. Significant damage was observed to several homes|and trees. Several trees were snapped or uprooted, and minor to|moderate damage was noted to roofs and siding. One mobile home|was pushed off its block foundation. The tornado appeared to lift|as it crossed the Intracoastal Waterway and touched down again on|the Arrowhead Country Club property. Numerous large hard and|softwood trees were snapped just south of the Flintlake|Apartments. Tree debris was blown into several apartments,|breaking windows and causing moderate roof and siding damage.

Damage upstream of the initial touchdown, along and south of |Palmetto Pointe Blvd, was straightline in nature and not the |result of a tornado. Additional wind damage occurred to the old |Waccamaw Mall at Fantasy Harbour. Portions of the facade were |blown off, in addition to several pieces of siding. A few bay |doors were blown in, and a large section of storefront wall was |buckled outward a few inches. A few nearby UPS and FedEx trucks|were blown over, in addition to a tractor trailer. This damage |appeared to be the result of straightline winds that occurred |after the tornado dissipated and the storm cell bowed |northeastward. Spotty tree damage was also observed on the |northeast side of Highway 501 in the River Oaks area.

Thunderstorm Wind, Horry

When: December 17, 1:25 PM EST
Where: Horry County, 0.71 mi NNE of Ocean Forest
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 33.739, -78.823

Portion of roofing was removed from parking garage at Caravelle Resort in Myrtle Beach.

Flash Flood, Horry

When: December 17, 2:16 PM EST to 3:16 PM EST
Where: Horry County, 2.68 mi ENE of Bucksport to 3.26 mi ENE of Bucksport
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 33.670, -79.060

South Carolina Highway Patrol reports Bay Road flooded.

Flash Flood, Georgetown

When: December 17, 2:38 PM EST to 3:38 PM EST
Where: Georgetown County, 0.69 mi S of Georgetown to 1.35 mi E of Georgetown
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 33.360, -79.300

Fire departments from city of Georgetown, Murrells inlet and Midway are involved in multiple calls removing people from flooded homes and stranded vehicles across the county.

Flash Flood, Horry

When: December 17, 3:07 PM EST to 4:30 PM EST
Where: Horry County, 2.07 mi N of Pee Dee Xrds to 1.94 mi N of Pee Dee Xrds
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 33.860, -79.220

South Carolina Highway Patrol reports road washout on Antioch Road Near US-24.

Flash Flood, Horry

When: December 17, 3:39 PM EST to 4:39 PM EST
Where: Horry County, 1.15 mi E of Cool Spg to 1.43 mi E of Cool Spg
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 33.970, -79.110

South Carolina Highway Patrol reports road flooded on Valley Forge Road near Glenn Road.

Flash Flood, Georgetown

When: December 17, 3:43 PM EST to 5:43 PM EST
Where: Georgetown County, 0.58 mi E of Georgetown to 0.73 mi E of Georgetown
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 33.370, -79.290

Three feet deep water at Dozier Street and Prince Street in Georgetown.

Flash Flood, Horry

When: December 17, 4:00 PM EST
Where: Horry County, 0.9 mi NW of Conway to 1.56 mi NE of Conway
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: County Official
Coordinates: 33.840, -79.060

City of Conway reports multiple road closures around the city due to flash flooding, including portions of Highways 701, 501, and 378.

Flash Flood, Horry

When: December 17, 4:32 PM EST
Where: Horry County, 0.69 mi S of Teddville to 0.25 mi SSW of Teddville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 33.740, -79.080

South Carolina Highway Patrol reports road washout on US-701 near Gilbert Road.

Flash Flood, Horry

When: December 17, 4:45 PM EST
Where: Horry County, 1.22 mi N of Sarvis Xrds to 1.14 mi E of Playcards
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 34.047, -78.977

South Carolina Highway Patrol reports road washout on SC-19 near Hodge Drive.

What these are

Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
High Wind: Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in South Carolina in 2023 Every state in 2023 This day in weather history The tornado archive for South Carolina, 2023 Warnings in South Carolina, December 2023

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1153045, 1153069, 1153100, 1153061, 1153048, 1153070, 1153071, 1153094, 1153074, 1153091, 1153096, 1153095, 1153098.