Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: natural disaster risk
How exposed Myrtle Beach is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Horry County.
Myrtle Beach is a city of 38,371 people in Horry County, South Carolina. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Horry County relatively high for natural hazards overall, higher than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are hurricane, inland flooding and earthquake, with about $290 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 1,028 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 60 tornadoes and 138 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 28 hurricanes and 42 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center, 4 of them major. About 14.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Horry County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Myrtle Beach
Full Horry County report ›- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | $200M | |
| Inland flooding | $40M | |
| Earthquake | $15M | |
| Tornado | $14M | |
| Cold wave | $5M | |
| Heat wave | $5M | |
| Coastal flooding | $4M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $1M | |
| Wildfire | $1M | |
| Ice storm | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $661K |
Homes in Myrtle Beach
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Horry County
More cities in Horry County
Other cities in South Carolina
All ›Common questions about Myrtle Beach
Is Myrtle Beach safe from natural disasters?
Myrtle Beach is in Horry County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively high overall, higher than most of the US. The biggest hazards are hurricane, inland flooding, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Myrtle Beach?
By expected yearly losses in Horry County, the top hazards are hurricane (Very High), inland flooding (Moderate), earthquake (Moderate). Horry County has been part of 32 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Myrtle Beach get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 60 tornadoes in Horry County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on August 17, 1965. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county high.
Do I need flood insurance in Myrtle Beach?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Horry County, about 14.6% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.