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.
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available.”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always”
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available. She has great contacts and helped guide us thru the process. We received wonderful service. Thanks!”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them twice, both in emergency situations and they have treated us as if we were their only clients. Within an hour of our first call, we had paperwork completed and a caregiver on the way – and that was a holiday weekend. When the second emergency occurred, we knew exactly who to contact. We truly appreciate everything that Lisa, Melissa and the entire team have done for our family.”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any family living close to him. My sister and I were relived to know he was well taken care of. The caregivers truly care about your loved ones.”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the office staff and caregivers were professional and caring- would definitely recommend if you need care at home-”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I needed to qualify people who could deal with my sister with brain cancer. My sister would throw people in and out of her house; it was crazy. She died on December 5th. Always Best Care sent incredible people. I don't know where they came from, but they had one girl who was the only person my sister never attempted to throw out of the house. I'd never hear one bad word about this woman who was actually pulling double shifts at the end because my sister liked her so much. For some reason, this woman understood my sister and brain cancer. Brain cancer is hard to deal with because people could be pretty mean and abusive and they don't know what they're doing really. My sister was also going blind at the same time. It was not easy. I just wanted to say what wonderful care we received from Always Best Care. It was amazing. They were just coming and being there. My sister was crazy, and she didn't want anybody overnight, until she finally let me have someone come in overnight. On that night, she died. She got to die in her home, which is what I'm trying to do because that too was the most important thing of all. Always Best Care was able to staff at short notice and send really good people. I was impressed, and I would highly recommend them. They would help my sister get to the bathroom. She weighed 70 pounds when she died, but she was still able to walk. She had cancers on both her femurs, and her blood pressure was 80/47. They just helped with everything, like fixing her small meals, fixing coffee, and talking to her if she wanted to talk or not talking to her if she didn't want to talk. They were just very great with their help. My sister had brain cancer and she was belligerent. Always Best Care would find people within their staff. Also, it didn't take them long, I didn't have to wait. We had letters from others saying they don't have staff right now. With Always Best Care, I did it over the phone with a woman who was a Godsend. I think the caregiver was sent almost the first day and was there every day except on the weekend when they sent someone else. That person seemed to work out OK, too, which amazed me. For some reason, these people knew how to appease someone who is really crazy. It was the cancer; it was in my sister's head. You have to be tough-skinned and just realize that this is the disease talking to you and not a person. They were able to do that, and I feel very blessed.”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing.”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and support me daily! We have many calls to work on performance and continue to grow and learn!”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing. Donna O.”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always focused on the care and not a much of processes and forms. I would highly recommend them to all.”
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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