Storm Info

Storm Info & Updates for Ocean Lakes

Ocean Lakes’ team always monitors storms that may impact our area, especially during Hurricane Season June 1 – November 30.

| Official Facebook Page | Chief Meteorologist Ed | Chief Meteorologist Frank | Chief Meteorologist Jamie | Ventusky Weather Map | WJHG Radar | BoatUS Maps | Wunderground near OLFC | OLFC Web Cams (if powered)

HURRICANE SALLY |

  The Craft Fair is open to all Guests in the Recreation Center (18-19th)

Sept 16, 2020, 2 PM – We expect rain bands to arrive on Wednesday afternoon with heavier rain moving in as the rain bands continue into Thursday and finally diminish later on Friday. The weekend looks nice! Currently, they anticipate 1-3 inches of rain.
Contacting Us | Call our Campsite Reservation line at 877-510-1413 or Rental Reservation at 800-845-2229 regarding your reservation.
Reservation Policies |
Find our year-round reservation policies online: Campsites and Ocean Lakes Properties Rentals.

See below for the normal reservations cancellation policies due to a NAMED storm/hurricane for campsites and OLP rentals:

  • If there is a Named Storm in the Atlantic and you have a Reservation to Camp or Rent:
    If you have a reservation and choose not to come, you must call our Campsite Reservation line at 877-510-1413 or Rental Reservation at 800-845-2229 to cancel your reservation (prior to your arrival date) to see if there is a special exception regarding your applicable deposit.*
  • We will not refund your deposit UNLESS we are under a Warning or Evacuation. We retain the applicable reservation deposit unless there has been a Warning or Evacuation issued for a named storm.*
  • Myrtle Beach is under a named Storm Warning or Evacuation for Zone A:
    If there has been a storm/hurricane warning or evacuation for our area, we give a full refund/the deposit.*

*Note on Cancellations | The reservation arrival date must be within the named storm dates and before we resume business operations, if you are canceling a reservation farther out then those dates, you will be subject to our normal cancellation fees.
Travel Resources | Road Links, Apps, Gas

Will Ocean Lakes Notify me of Damage to my Property?
Our team has a lot of experience with storms and hurricanes. Our Emergency Preparedness Plan is updated annually and outlines step by step how to prepare our oceanfront campground for an impending storm. This plan includes communications (web, social, email, app push, etc.), securing our buildings, structures and operations as deemed necessary, preparing post storm resources, staging equipment, working with Storm Water Management, our power companies and other local authorities. We organize and mobilize our team before and after the storm. Some Camper & Golf Car Storage guests choose to remove their property from our storage facilities, that is not necessary, however, that is the owner’s decision. When an evacuation is declared by the Governor our team works to help guests depart the property. We complete all tasks according to our Emergency Prepardness Plan and finally begin to shut down utilities and secure all park access – including the Main Gate. During a storm, the safety of our team and guests is the priority. Generally, during a storm we have Security on site in a secure structure and location to monitor the park during the storm (depending on the severity of the hurricane – safety first). Our Marketing Team works (from wherever they are) to keep everyone updated as much as possible as long as power and internet/cell is operable. Once it is safe to move around the park, Security begins to assess our property for damage while our teammates return to help repair and clean up the park. Necessary equipment is utilzed. Our team surveys the entire property and notes damage from wind, debris, trees, objects, rising water, etc. to all annual lease sites (2,569), storage campers (2,600+), and storage golf cars (300+). We understand you are anxious to learn about your property/recreational vehicles, but this takes teammates and time. We do not enter the structures or campers – it is more of a “drive by” assessment of the exterior. It generally will not determine a leak in a roof, window, door, etc. or other potential internal damage. We work to contact owners as soon as possible.
PLEASE remember: this is our home. We understand that guests and lease holders are concerned about their property, but we would appreciate the consideration of our teammates and their families who may be dealing with damage to their homes. We do our best to provide outstanding customer service, but Grand Strand is OUR PRIMARY RESIDENCE and our place of employment. We appreciate everyone’s patience, understanding, and prayers as our team juggles their families’ needs with our guests’ needs. This includes the inevitable barrage of phone calls, emails and the constant social media requests.
Review some of the helpful check lists below, including Ocean Safety and Driving Tips. We have included information from Horry County, as well. Ocean Lakes has always tried to operate with guest-friendly policies, we have included our “Storm Related Policies for Camping Guests” to help address any concern.
Additional hurricane information can be found on Horry County’s website at http://www.horrycounty.org/Departments/EmergencyManagement/Hurricanes. This link contains information on how to prepare for an emergency, evacuation routes and maps, re-entry information, shelters, etc. 
Additional hurricane information can be found on Horry County’s website at www.horrycounty.org
Horry County Emergency Management Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/horrycountyemergencymanagementdepartment
Horry County Emergency Management Twitter: https://twitter.com/HorryEMD                                                                                                                 
Horry County operates on new OPCON levels

OPCON THREE – Normal Daily Operations
Agencies plan, train, coordinate and exercise as needed. Incidents are monitored by the county warning point and county emergency management.
OPCON TWO – Enhanced Awareness
A disaster or emergency is likely to affect the county. Emergency operations plans are implemented. The County Emergency Operations Center is partially activated if necessary.
OPCON ONE – Full Alert
A disaster or emergency is imminent or occurring. The County Emergency Operations Center is fully activated. Emergency response personnel are activated.

Important Phone Numbers:

Horry County  EMD
(843) 915-5150
Horry County phone bank assisting the public with questions regarding Hurricane Dorian.

American Red Cross (shelters)
(843) 477-0020
SCDOT
(888) 877-9151   Traffic & Road Conditions
Only activated when needed & Spanish interpreters available.

Re-entry Information
(866) 246-0133
This phone line is manned in Columbia and provides information on evacuation, shelters, damage assessments and re-entry. The number is activated once an evacuation is ordered.

SCDHEC
(843) 915-8804
Special Medical Needs Shelters

Horry County Emergency Management can also be followed on Facebook and Twitter.

Ocean Safety Checklist

  • Watch for the Lifeguard Flags signaling ocean water conditions.
  • Be honest about your swimming ability. The ocean is not a swimming pool.
  • Never turn your back on the ocean. Being hit by a wave while you’re not watching can cause serious injury.
  • Never take your eye off children in the water, no matter how calm the ocean.
  • If you need help, shout “HELP” (and not a family member’s name) or wave an arm to get attention.
  • A current can pull you away in waist high water.
  • If you get caught in a current, do not struggle against it. Rip currents are usually narrow, so calmly swim perpendicular to the current direction to get out of it.
  • Too many rules to remember? Then remember just one…..SWIM IN FRONT OF LIFE GUARDS!

Storm Driving Tips:

  • Motorists are urged to use extreme caution when traveling as roads will be slick and ponding could occur.
  • First and foremost: slow down! It takes longer to stop or adjust in wet weather.
  • Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
  • Maintain proper following distance (3 Second Rule). This needs to be increased in wet weather.
  • Drive in the tracks of a car ahead of you.
  • Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
  • Be more alert when driving in wet or slippery conditions. Watch out for brake lights in front of you.

Coastal residents and property owners are especially encouraged to begin securing outdoor furniture, garbage cans, etc. as winds will start increasing on Friday.
Horry County residents should stay tuned to local media for updates.  It is also a good time to review family hurricane plans, including items that may be needed such as water, batteries, flashlights, etc.
Additional hurricane information can be found on Horry County’s official website.

Hurricane Supply Checklist:

When preparing for a hurricane, the American Red Cross recommends to have the following safety tips and supplies in the event of a hurricane.
Before You Leave:

  • Unplug all appliances, turn off the electricity and the main water valve to reduce damage
  • If you have time and live in an area prone to flooding, move furniture to a higher floor
  • Tell someone outside the flood area where you are going

When You Evacuate:

  • Leave as soon as you can, in daylight, if possible
  • Listen to the radio; avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges
  • Be prepared for delays; roads and bridges will probably be crowded and traffic will move slowly

What To Bring:

  • First aid kit, prescription medications, toiletries
  • Baby food, diapers, foods for persons on restricted diets, if appropriate
  • Playing cards, games, books
  • Battery-powered radio, one flashlight per person, extra batteries
  • Blankets, sleeping bags, and warm protective clothing
  • Identification, copies of insurance papers, passports, other essential documents

Food & Water:

  • Canned foods:  Store canned vegetables and meats to create no-cook main dish meals if the power is out.  Pack canned fruits, raisins, dried fruits and nuts for snacks.
  • A manual can opener
  • At least 3 gallons of water per person
  • Instant coffee and tea
  • Powdered fruit drink mixes or canned juices
  • Other good staples:  peanut butter and jelly, crackers, cookies, chips & cereal
  • Baby food and ready made formula
  • Plastic eating utensils, paper plates, and paper towels
  • A supply of food and water for pets

Other supplies

  • Extra batteries
  • Battery-operated radio
  • Flashlights, with extra bulbs
  • Battery-operated lanterns.  Take care with candles or Coleman lanterns, which could be fire hazards and should be used only after the storm
  • Charcoal or gas grill, with a supply of fuel
  • Matches
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Toilet Paper
  • Protective Clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
  • First Aid Kit
  • Keep items in a waterproof container
  • First Aid Manual
  • Sterile adhesive bandages
  • Sterile gauze pads
  • Hypo allergenic
  • Scissors & tweezers
  • Packets of moistened towelettes
  • Antiseptic spray
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Aspirin
  • Ointments for burns and cuts
  • Antacid tablets
  • Prescription for a month

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