It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum and Education Center gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Myrtle Beach, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Nate and his team have helped multiple family members and the service and support was”
“I engaged Nate as a consultant to search for the right Assisted Living Facility for”
“Very professional and friendly office staff. They are also easy to communicate with. I recommend”
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work here at Always Best Care over”
“This is a great company and I would recommended to everyone. I have been with”
“I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident Always Best Care of the Midlands”
“This is a company that truly cares about its employees and the seniors they care”
“Nice people to work with”
“Gina Berry takes time explaining why home care and Always Best Care is the best”
“I am a current client of this provider From a caretakers/daughters point of view: This service”
“Always Best Care is a great company to work for and if you are looking”
“The Staff, the care teams and the owners are one of a kind! They take”
“Nate took the time to meet with me and my family and help make sense”
“Hello to all of my Always Best Care friends, I'd like to wish you and your”
“I am a current client of this provider It is essential to us, he really needs”
“This is one of the best companies I’ve worked for in a long time. The”
“I am a current client of this provider It depends on who they hire for the”
“I am a current client of this provider I would have had to quit my job”
“I am a current client of this provider They have made it positive by being friendly”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency would have to make it a”
“Nate and his team have helped multiple family members and the service and support was a great peace of mind. Care of those in need can be a heavy load on the family, and Always Best Care made everything run better in the household. Their care extended past those in need and helped the other family members provide better care. The experience was a breath of fresh air.”
“I engaged Nate as a consultant to search for the right Assisted Living Facility for my mom. This service is no cost to the family. He spent quite some time getting my mom's preferences clarified and then searching for matching AL facilities. All of this was done in less than two days. He and I talked through the options and I relayed the two I felt were best to mom. Nate personally picked mom up from rehab and took her on those tours, which was a godsend because I live in another state. During both tours, he texted me "play by plays" as to how it was going. He helped me and mom choose the right place for her budget and needs - and was very patient with us as my mom took longer than expected to make the final decision. She was talking about needing a new TV and Nate provided her/us with a link to some that were on sale that met her needs. Once the decision was made, Nate accompanied the AL staff member to mom's rehab and sat through the entire long paperwork process to ensure mom understood what she was signing. Again, he kept me in the loop by texting me regularly about how things were going during the meeting. He checked in a couple of times after that and prior to mom's move asking how our prep was going and if we needed anything. On one call, I did ask for a referral to a specific service we needed. He didn't have an established one, so he researched it and got one for me promptly. During and shortly after moving day, Nate checked in again to see how mom was settling in. I've been amazed at the personalized engagement that we received from Nate. Anytime he said he would do something, he did it and he did it promptly. If anything was delayed, he updated me immediately. This is in stark contrast to Tara at Senior Care Authority that provides this service as well. She promised me things during our initial call and didn't follow through on most of them. During our text exchanges, she never answered my specific question - always danced around it. Within a handful of days, I said "nope!", researched more, and came across Nate and this service. Ahhhh, what a breath of fresh air to receive what you asked for. I have no doubt it saved me countless hours glued to my computer, trying to compare facilities. I highly recommend Nate and his consulting service - it was an excellent experience and he was a lifesaver!”
“Very professional and friendly office staff. They are also easy to communicate with. I recommend Always Best Care Senior Services for any senior in need. Also, if you ever need a job, please go and apply. They are always hiring weekly and offer competitive rates.”
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work here at Always Best Care over the past six months. Melisa and Nate have been wonderful and thanks for molding me into becoming a great leader. Professionalism is the key to success ????✨⭐️ I am looking forward to many years to come.”
“This is a great company and I would recommended to everyone. I have been with them for 3years Their caregivers are insightful and have so much compassion especially Mariah and Sabrina they are some of there champs they both have great personality and are very Professional. The owners are great and they run a great company.thank you for all that you guys do ????”
“I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident Always Best Care of the Midlands Team ensured that I was well informed, and my loved one received the best care possible. The compassionate care was delivered not only by the care professionals, but by the support team. The owners even checked in with us to offer support and guidance. They exceeded our expectations!”
“This is a company that truly cares about its employees and the seniors they care for! Nate and Melisa offer regular training for caregivers so they they can provide the best care possible!”
“Nice people to work with”
“Gina Berry takes time explaining why home care and Always Best Care is the best choice for your family’s needs. The Team at Always Best is thoughtful and supportive they go out of their way to make you feel heard and understood. They customize the care plan, care team and schedule. I recommend them to anyone considering aging in place.”
“I am a current client of this provider From a caretakers/daughters point of view: This service is a savior for me personally. It relieves me from having to miss a lot of work time to travel to my mothers appt, now I can meet her at the appt. and save this time. The care and service she is getting is TOP NOTCH! From how easy it is for my mother to schedule and the follow through is right on the money. From a person getting the services: Melissa is the best, she calls me weekly to remind me of my appointments coming up. I am very pleased with the services and absolutely pleased with the services provided. I know that this alone helps ease the mind of my daughter. Thank you to the team at Always Best Care!”
“Always Best Care is a great company to work for and if you are looking for care for a loved one, I highly recommend them. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and supportive. I work in the senior industry and recommend Always Best Care to my clients that need extra support in their home or while family is away. Always Best Care will respond immediately and truly show compassion to others.”
“The Staff, the care teams and the owners are one of a kind! They take the time to ensure your care needs are met. Highly recommend giving them a call if you have senior care or senior living questions or concerns.”
“Nate took the time to meet with me and my family and help make sense of the questions we had when it came to the short and long term care of our loved one. When you have an elderly parent or a loved one with disabilities there are so many questions and so many emotions. It can be so confusing and it was hard for us to find one person or one company that has the knowledge and grasp of this industry that Nate has. We cannot thank him enough for guiding us through this process and his amazing bedside manner!”
“Hello to all of my Always Best Care friends, I'd like to wish you and your families a Merry, Blessed Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous New Year! My brother, my dad, and I really appreciate everything you did for us this year. You're amazing! All the best for the Christmas season and 2023,”
“I am a current client of this provider It is essential to us, he really needs assistance daily, and I work full time. I like their team approach.”
“This is one of the best companies I’ve worked for in a long time. The owners, Nate and Melisa, genuinely care about clients AND staff. They go above and beyond to support, encourage, and help everyone they work with. Their doors are always open, they’re generous with their time, and they truly want their staff to succeed. Donna in the billing department is fabulous, always available to answer questions or help in any way; Katrina in scheduling puts in so much time and effort to accommodate everyone’s needs and it’s amazing how well she handles everything; Angel works diligently on recruiting and training, making sure there’s plenty of staff to provide quality care; and Jackie is an incredible CHAMP, making sure clients are properly reassessed and care givers have the right tools and knowledge to do their job. ABC is a fantastic, compassionate, caring team I’m proud to be a part of, and I’m proud to serve our clients, too.”
“I am a current client of this provider It depends on who they hire for the job. The people they hire can improve.”
“I am a current client of this provider I would have had to quit my job if it wasn't for them and they go grocery shopping. They can have more guidance for the client and what to do for the client.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have made it positive by being friendly and courteous. I like that I do not have to worry about them; they are honest.”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency would have to make it a lot easier for me to find out about the caregiver coming out and having someone on backup. The agency could provide better scheduling and the caregivers would not come in on time.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Chapin Memorial Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Library Restaurant or visit Charlie's Place, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Myrtle Beach, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Myrtle Beach, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Myrtle Beach, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Hurricane Erin poses a high rip current risk along the coast.COLUMBIA, S.C. — Hurricane Erin continues to churn in the Atlantic, now packing sustained winds of 110 mph as it moves northward — but forecasters say the storm is not expected to make landfall along the South Carolina coast.As Wednesday evening, Erin remains a Category 2 hurricane but is expected to become a Category 3 again. The storm is currently tracking north is projected to stay well offshore as it moves past the Outer Banks of North...
Hurricane Erin poses a high rip current risk along the coast.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Hurricane Erin continues to churn in the Atlantic, now packing sustained winds of 110 mph as it moves northward — but forecasters say the storm is not expected to make landfall along the South Carolina coast.
As Wednesday evening, Erin remains a Category 2 hurricane but is expected to become a Category 3 again. The storm is currently tracking north is projected to stay well offshore as it moves past the Outer Banks of North Carolina and heads toward the open Atlantic.
While South Carolina is not in Erin’s direct path, the storm is having major impacts along the coast. A high rip current risk is in effect from Hilton Head Island through Myrtle Beach, with red flags posted at all beaches. Swimmers are urged to stay out of the water through at least Friday afternoon.
Tropical storm warnings remain in effect for portions of the Outer Banks up through parts of the New Jersey shore. Meanwhile, Bermuda remains under a tropical storm watch, though Erin’s core is expected to stay to the west of the island.
Computer forecast models have shifted slightly westward over the past 24 hours but still keep Erin’s center well offshore. By Friday night, the hurricane is expected to weaken to Category 1 strength with winds around 90 mph as it accelerates away from the U.S. coastline and heads toward the Canadian Maritimes.
Forecasters are also monitoring two other areas in the Atlantic:
Closer to home, Columbia and the Midlands will stay mostly dry Wednesday and Thursday with clear skies and highs in the low 90s. Clouds will begin to increase by Thursday afternoon, with scattered showers and storms possible Thursday night into Friday.
By the weekend, temperatures will dip slightly into the low to mid-80s with periods of rain. A warm-up is expected Monday, followed by a cooler, drier pattern starting Tuesday, with highs in the mid-80s and morning lows dropping into the mid-60s by midweek.
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.An updated weather alert was issued by the NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC on Wednesday at 4:21 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 4:45 p.m. The alert is for Pickens Mountains and Greater Pickens as well as Greenville County.The storms are packing marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 mph."At 4:21 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a st...
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.
An updated weather alert was issued by the NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC on Wednesday at 4:21 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 4:45 p.m. The alert is for Pickens Mountains and Greater Pickens as well as Greenville County.
The storms are packing marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and wind gusts of up to 50 mph.
"At 4:21 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 11 miles south of Brevard, or near Table Rock State Park, moving south at 15 mph," according to the NWS. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to outdoor objects is possible."
The alert is for Table Rock State Park and Sassafras Mountain.
According to the NWS, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building."
This alert is in effect until 4:45 p.m.
Lightning hits the United States approximately 25 million times annually. The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS. The likelihood of lightning increases as a thunderstorm gets closer and reaches its highest point when the storm is directly overhead. This risk decreases as the storm moves away.
Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm:
If finding indoor shelter is not an option:
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning is the term for when a vehicle begins sliding uncontrollably on wet roads.
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control. Hydroplaning is most commonly attributed to three factors:
In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:
Source: The National Weather Service
Hurricane Erin has weakened slightly to a Category 2 hurricane but is forecast to "substantially grow in size" as it moves over the western Atlantic Ocean through the week, according to the National Hurricane Center.But will Hurricane Erin hit the United States? Will major tourist destinations in the country's southeastern region be impacted by the storms? Here's what to know.What to know about Hurricane ErinUSA TODAY reports Hurricane Erin was located about 655 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North C...
Hurricane Erin has weakened slightly to a Category 2 hurricane but is forecast to "substantially grow in size" as it moves over the western Atlantic Ocean through the week, according to the National Hurricane Center.
But will Hurricane Erin hit the United States? Will major tourist destinations in the country's southeastern region be impacted by the storms? Here's what to know.
USA TODAY reports Hurricane Erin was located about 655 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, with maximum sustained winds near 105 mph with higher gusts, per a 2 p.m. ET advisory from the hurricane center Aug. 19.
The hurricane's center was expected to pass to the east of the Bahamas on Aug. 19, and then move over the western Atlantic between the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda on Aug. 20 and Aug. 21.
However, Erin's strength could still fluctuate before it finally begins to wind down later in the week, according to the center's forecast.
Big waves and rough surf are expected along the Atlantic Coast from Central Florida to Canada. An expected storm surge and waves over 10 feet have prompted evacuations on at least two of the islands along North Carolina's Outer Banks. Heavy rainfall is also possible on the Outer Banks on Wednesday night into Thursday with potential for 1 to 2 inches and a local maximum of 4 inches.
The National Weather Service is urging people to stay out of the ocean to avoid deadly surf conditions expected through at least Thursday.
A storm surge watch is in effect from Cape Lookout to Duck, North Carolina, which means there is a possibility of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, in the indicated locations during the next 48 hours. The NWS said storm surge in this area could reach 2 to 4 feet.
Per the NHC, Hurricane Erin has weakened slightly into a Category 2 hurricane but is forecast to "substantially grow in size" as it moves over the western Atlantic Ocean throughout the week.
Erin is expected to become a Category 3 hurricane by Wednesday evening, CNN reported.
According to NPR, Hurricane Erin is not expected to make landfall in the U.S.
Still, Erin's large and expanding wind fields mean storm-driven waves, coastal erosion and high seas are expected to batter areas of the East Coast, especially along the Outer Banks.
USA TODAY reports the following ships and cruise lines have changed their itineraries this week to avoid Hurricane Erin. Click here to see a list of alternate stops.
As of Aug. 20, all Walt Disney World parks and studios remain open under normal conditions. For severe weather updates, visit disneyworld.disney.go.com.
If the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane warning for the Orlando area within seven days of a guest's scheduled arrival date, they may reschedule or cancel their Walt Disney Travel Co. Disney Resort hotel packages and most room-only reservations (booked directly with Disney). Per the theme park's FAQ page, there will be no cancellation or change fees.
Customers who purchase Disney tickets through a third-party site will still be responsible for any nonrefundable payments and cancellation or change fees assessed by those suppliers.
The policy also applies to Disney's Vero Beach Resort and Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort if a hurricane warning is issued for those destinations, the site states.
Universal Orlando Resort's severe weather policy similarly offers penalty-free rebooking and cancellations for vacation packages, hotel stays and tickets booked directly through Universal in the event of a tropical storm, hurricane warning, or state of emergency declaration within seven days of a guest's arrival. For now, the resort is operating as usual.
SeaWorld Orlando also remains open as of Aug. 20. The park also has a Weather-or-Not Assurance policy for extreme weather that applies year-round and guarantees guests the value of their park admission.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island Water Park are also open for regular operating hours.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, most airports across the southeastern U.S. are operating normally as of Aug. 20. However, airports in Texas, New York, New Jersey and Mississippi are experiencing ground stops, ground delays or departure delays due to thunderstorms and/or winds.
Although Hurricane Erin is not forecast to make landfall in the U.S., it is still expected to bring significant impacts to several areas along the East Coast.
The Outer Banks was put under a state emergency order Aug. 19. The hurricane's outer bands are expected to bring worsening weather conditions to North Carolina's coast by the evening of Aug. 20, the hurricane center said.
A tropical storm warning is currently in effect from Beaufort Inlet in North Carolina's Outer Banks to the North Carolina-Virginia border, including the Pamlico and Albemarle sounds. A tropical storm watch has also been issued from the North Carolina-Virginia border to Chincoteague, Virginia.
A storm surge warning is also in place from Cape Lookout, North Carolina, to Duck, North Carolina.
Other major U.S. tourist destinations, such as Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, South Carolina, are not currently in the storm's projected path. But these areas may still experience "increased surf and hazardous rip currents," per Newsweek.
“Significant” ocean swells are also expected in South Carolina and Georgia, with breaking waves of 6 feet or higher through Wednesday night. Coastal flooding may be possible, but major flooding is not forecast.
Officials are also warning of "life-threatening rip currents" from South Florida to Long Island, and are urging people to stay out of the water, no matter how clear the skies are overhead.
No tropical storm or hurricane watches have been issued for areas outside of North Carolina or Virginia at this time.
This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, per The Treasure Coast News. The season's peak is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center.
Contributing: USA TODAY's Dinah Voyles Pulver, John Bacon, Jorge L. Ortiz, Thao Nguyen, Nathan Diller, Cheryl McCloud, and Jeanine Santucci.
Large swells from Hurricane Erin are expected to impact the Myrtle Beach area coastline this week, producing strong rip currents, high surf and coastal flooding, according to the National Weather Service.The first hurricane of the 2025 season is forecasted to pass by the Grand Strand Wednesday, bringing with it life-threatening swimming conditions.As of Wednesday morning, beaches in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach have been posted with a red flag, meaning that swimmers can only be in the water waist deep. Lifeguards are per...
Large swells from Hurricane Erin are expected to impact the Myrtle Beach area coastline this week, producing strong rip currents, high surf and coastal flooding, according to the National Weather Service.
The first hurricane of the 2025 season is forecasted to pass by the Grand Strand Wednesday, bringing with it life-threatening swimming conditions.
As of Wednesday morning, beaches in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach have been posted with a red flag, meaning that swimmers can only be in the water waist deep. Lifeguards are permitted to call people back from the water if they violate the restriction.
However, officials are expecting that the beaches will be upgraded to a double red flag, which prevents swimmers from entering the ocean at all.
Those that do violate the flag status could be charged under ordinances that are in place by Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Horry County.
Discretion is usually left up to the lifeguards who monitor the waters. However, disobeying the “directions and instructions of any lifeguard authorized by the city with regard to activities on the beach and ocean” is considered a misdemeanor under North Myrtle Beach’s city ordinance.
Similar language is used for both Myrtle Beach and Horry County in regard to its beaches.
“It’s rare,” said Nick Jackson, co-owner of Myrtle Beach Surf Rescue, about charging someone with disobeying a lifeguard. “You’ve got to have a pretty stubborn individual ... who is willing to pay a fine and potentially go to jail.”
But it can happen.
Jackson expects the surf conditions to deteriorate throughout the day, which may require a double red flag. He said officials will continue to monitor conditions throughout the day.
“With the hurricane off shore, (the) surf is going to continue to increase,” Jackson said.
And it’s not just swimming conditions in which someone could be charged and fined, the ordinance goes for any safety hazard determined by a lifeguard, said North Myrtle Beach Beach Patrol Officer May Wingard.
North Myrtle Beach also has a second ordinance that prevents people from being in the ocean waters more than 50 yards from the point where the ocean adjoins the beach or be in the ocean waters at a depth greater than shoulder height, said North Myrtle Beach Officer Pat Wilkinson.
Wilkinson said a person would only be charged if an officer is called to deal with the situation. However, Wingard also said it’s “pretty rare” for someone to disobey a lifeguard.
Those who do go out into the water when it’s not safe, create an “an inherrent danger” for firemen and rescue crews, said Capt. Jon Evans with the Myrtle Beach Fire Department.
Firemen don’t have the power to charge people with disobeying an order of entering the water, but they do “put themselves in danger” by having to go into the water to rescue someone who went into the ocean when they shouldn’t have, Evans said.
With maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, Hurricane Erin is brewing east of the Bahamas and moving northwest towards the East Coast of the United States. Here’s what to expect around Myrtle Beach as it curves along the Carolinas.Hurricane Erin will remain hundreds of miles off the coast of South Carolina, heading northwest before shifting northeast, away from the mainland U.S. Although it won’t make landfall in South Carolina, large storm swells are churning up hazardous marine conditions around the Grand Strand this week....
With maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, Hurricane Erin is brewing east of the Bahamas and moving northwest towards the East Coast of the United States. Here’s what to expect around Myrtle Beach as it curves along the Carolinas.
Hurricane Erin will remain hundreds of miles off the coast of South Carolina, heading northwest before shifting northeast, away from the mainland U.S. Although it won’t make landfall in South Carolina, large storm swells are churning up hazardous marine conditions around the Grand Strand this week.
“It’s moving up right now from east of the northern Bahamas, and it should pass us offshore … we don’t have any watches or warnings out for our area,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Rachel Zouzias. “We may see some gusts up to 30-35 knots, mainly over our waters, but in general, it should pass with mainly rough surf and strong rip current activity for us in the Myrtle Beach area.”
Experts don’t anticipate the Myrtle Beach area will see heavy rains or storm winds from the hurricane, but forecasts call for life-threatening rip currents, dangerous longshore currents, high surf, beach erosion and minor coastal flooding.
“We’ll start seeing just more choppy, rougher, stormy-type seas as the system moves to the east of us, up through the Atlantic waters,” Zouzias said. “As it passes us, we get rougher surf, because of the swell generated closer to the shore and closer to the coast between the storm and us, and then as it moves off, we’ll see some northeast swells coming in toward the weekend.”
Rough currents in the area are expected through Friday. Rip currents caused by swells from Hurricane Erin hit beaches perpendicular to the shore and longshore currents coincide with strong northeast winds.
Wednesday could be the most dangerous day on Grand Strand shores because of the “very strong” rip currents and longshore currents in the area, according to Zouzias.
High surf will bring breaking wave heights of 4 to 8 feet around the Myrtle Beach area. Although dangerous currents will continue later in the week, according to Zouzias, wave heights will peak Wednesday evening and slowly start to come down on Thursday.
Minor coastal flooding is also likely, particularly in the hours before and after the evening high tide peak, around 6 or 7 p.m. The NWS predicts storm surges 1 to 3 feet above ground level.
“With the strong onshore push and the higher seas, combining with more higher astronomical tides, we will see coastal flooding most likely in the evening,” Zouzias said. “There should be a considerable amount of overwash and beach erosion.”
Localized beach erosion will follow the coastal flooding and considerable overwash. According to Zouzias, east-to-southeast-facing beaches will likely see the worst impacts.
As meteorologists monitor Hurricane Erin’s path, two tropical waves in the Atlantic could develop into cyclones in the next week.
Located near the Leeward Islands in the Tropical Atlantic, the first disturbance has a 10% chance of forming a cyclone by Thursday afternoon but a 60% chance of forming over the next seven days.
The second disturbance is brewing about 100 miles south of the Cabo Verde Islands in the Eastern Tropical Atlantic near the African Coast. According to the National Hurricane Center, that tropical wave has a 30% chance of forming a cyclone in the next two days and in the next week.
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