Frigid temperatures expected on 1-year anniversary of ice storm in Myrtle Beach area

The anniversary of last year’s ice storm that caused millions of dollars in damages across South Carolina will be met with cooler than normal temperatures beginning Thursday and lasting through the weekend, according to forecasters with the National Weather Service in Wilmington, N.C.

A year ago today freezing rain and frigid temperatures created conditions for an ice storm that area residents had not experienced since the 1940s, said Steve Pfaff, warning coordination meteorologist with the weather service.

The ice storm impacted the area Feb. 11 and 12, 2014, and was the second significant winter event that year. Between Jan. 28 and 29, 2014, a storm brought sleet, snow and some freezing rain to the area. During that storm, most Horry County areas recorded a half-inch of snow and ice accumulation.

This week it may feel like a repeat of last year’s ice storm, but forecasters said the lack of precipitation will mean no ice or snow is expected.