Defense Contractor Attorney Near Myrtle Beach, SC

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.

The warning was active for Bamberg, Barnwell and Orangeburg counties.

"The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits, and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property. Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. However, gusty winds, heavy rain, and numerous cloud-to-ground lightning strikes are still possible with this thunderstorm," according to the NWS Columbia SC.

The warning is in effect until 6:15 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 when a vehicle starts uncontrollably sliding 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. The top three contributors to hydroplaning are:

In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:

Source: The National Weather Service

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.

On Monday at 6:17 p.m. a flash flood warning was issued by the NWS Columbia SC in effect until 9:15 p.m. The warning is for Bamberg, Barnwell and Orangeburg counties.

"At 6:17 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 0.5 to 1.5 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1.5 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly," says the NWS. "Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas."

Locations impacted by the warning include Bamberg, Denmark, Blackville, Rivers Bridge State Park, Ehrhardt, Hilda, Neeses, Norway, Olar, Kline, Cope, Govan and Bamberg County Airport.

According to the NWS, "Most flooding deaths occur in vehicles. Never drive through a flooded roadway or around barricades. Turn around, don't drown."

This warning is in effect until 9:15 p.m.

If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances. Don't go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, get out. Stay out of water that may have electricity in it. Don't walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible.

When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods. It is crucial to never drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the NWS, as little as 12 inches of fast-flowing water can carry away most vehicles.

What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle begins to slide 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

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.

At 8:03 p.m. on Monday, the NWS Columbia SC issued an updated flood advisory in effect until 9:15 p.m. The advisory is for Bamberg, Barnwell and Orangeburg counties.

The NWS states, "Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected."

"Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas," says the NWS. "Most flooding deaths occur in vehicles. Never drive through a flooded roadway or around barricades. Turn around, don't drown."

This advisory is in effect until 9:15 p.m.

If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances. Don't go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, get out. Stay out of water that may have electricity in it. Don't walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible.

During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. It is imperative to avoid driving through any water on the road, even if it seems shallow. According to the NWS, most cars can be swept away by just 12 inches of rushing water.

What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle starts 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. The top three contributors to hydroplaning are:

In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know:

Source: The National Weather Service

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture found black buildup in an ice machine, an employee touching bagels after handling raw chicken and two-month-old coleslaw in the latest round of health and safety inspections in the Myrtle Beach area.

In general, SCDA gives restaurants scoring between 88 and 100 points A grades, restaurants scoring 78-87 points B grades and restaurants scoring 77 points or fewer C grades.

However, the department sometimes lowers grades for restaurants that have consecutive violations, are under enforcement action or are under pending enforcement actions, including imminent health hazards, permit suspensions or permit revocations.

Of the 145 restaurant inspections conducted in Horry and Georgetown County between June 21 and July 3, SCDA gave 10 restaurants B grades and one restaurant a C grade. However, only ten of those establishments actually scored below 88 points. Here’s what inspectors found.

410 E. Brooks Road, Andrews, SC 29510

Score: 78

A routine inspection of Country Corner on Brooks Road on July 7 found that the facility did “extensive remodeling” without notifying SCDA for approval. Issues included open duct work, holes in walls and a missing outlet cover.

The inspector also observed foods like raw burger patties and cheese stored at insufficiently cold temperatures, meats without dates marked for safe consumption, no discard time marked for ready-to-eat fried chicken, no hand soap at the sink, no thermometer to check food temperatures.

According to the inspection report, a waterline was leaking, there was no thermometer to check food temperatures and grease was built up on shelves, cooking equipment, hood filters and floors. A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before July 17.

11887 Highway 707, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Score: 80

A routine inspection of Quigley’s Pint and Plate on July 7 found “black buildup” in the ice machine, two-month-old coleslaw, week-old blue cheese dressing made in house, deli meat without dates marked for safe consumption and improperly cooled foods like chili and ribs,

The inspector also observed insufficient sanitizer in the dish washer, condensation in the prep cooler, dust and rust in the air vents, “gray residue” in the beer cooler and accumulations of grease and debris under equipment, along the walls, on floors and on the bar. A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before Jul 17.

5411 Dick Pond Road, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

Score: 78

At a routine inspection of China Wok on July 7, there was no certified food handler present, cooked chicken was stored on lids of raw chicken boxes, fried rice and bok choy sitting out and noodles cooling uncovered in the refrigerator.

The inspector also observed ready-to-eat foods like noodles and pork without dates marked for safe consumption, a knife stored in a crack between a prep table and a cooler, accumulation of debris under the fryers and buildup of grease and grime on hood filters and fryers. A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before July 17.

3886 Highway 701 N., Conway, SC 29526

Score: 81

At a routine inspection of Panthers Express on July 7, the inspector observed an employee touching bagels and putting on gloves to prepare orders after handling raw chicken without washing their hands.

Other violations included insufficiently cold raw chicken in standing water at the sink, improperly cooled turkey wings, a sink that wasn’t cleaned after raw chicken was prepared in it, smoked sausage cut in a hand sink, old food residue on a slicer and grime on a can opener.

The inspector also noted that the facility made changes without approval and had debris and grime on shelves, floors, walls, the grease interceptor and the fryer unit. A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before July 17.

10785 Highway 707, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Score: 82

At a routine inspection of The Javelina on July 8, there was “slimy black residue” in the ice machine, food residue on the potato slicer blade and foods like brisket and ribs without dates marked for safe consumption.

According to the inspection report, the ice machine wasn’t locked or protected from the elements, fryers were missing covers, the facility didn’t have a mop sink to dispose of dirty water and the self closure on the back door was broken, which SCDA considers a risk for pests. A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before July 18.

4480 Mineola Ave., Little River, SC 29566

Score: 83

A routine inspection of Bottom Feeders on July 11 found several violations, including raw chicken wings left to thaw too long that reached unsafe temperatures, clean utensils stored on a drainboard next to thawing raw chicken and an unclean cutting board surface.

The inspector also observed food products stored on kitchen floors and clean knives stored in cracks between the refrigerator and a countertop. A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before July 21.

117 Maryport Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575

Score: 83

In response to a complaint, the SCDA inspected New York Pizza on July 8. The inspector observed a two-week-old tray of meatballs, an open bag of sausage without a date marked and ready-to-eat pizza without times noted for safe consumption.

The inspection report notes foods like cheese and chicken were stored at insufficiently cold temperatures and hot water wasn’t working in the facility, though the owner was working with a company to correct the water. A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before July 18.

1908 N. Ocean Blvd., North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Score: 84

At a routine inspection of Drunken Parrot on July 9, the inspector observed open hot dogs without dates marked for safe consumption, an employee handling food with bare hands and single-service to-go containers stored on the floor.

According to the inspection report, foods like cheese and raw chicken were stored at insufficiently cold temperatures, sinks were inaccessible because of doors and trash, the screen door was torn and a door was propped open, which the SCDA considers a risk for pests. A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before July 19.

1009 3rd Ave. S., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Score: 86

After receiving a complaint, the SCDA gave the Circle K Store on 3rd Avenue South in Myrtle Beach a score of 85 on June 27. In a follow-up inspection on July 7, the inspector again found several violations.

There were rodent droppings in the back storage room, food stored below motor oil and the person in charge wasn’t food handler certified. The inspector also noted there was no hand soap at multiple sinks and there was buildup and debris on floors throughout the facility. A subsequent inspection is to be conducted on or before July 17.

2208 N. Ocean Blvd., North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Score: 86

At a routine inspection of Snooky’s Oceanfront on July 8 there were “many flies” around the mop sink, foods like oysters and crab meat were stored at insufficiently cold temperatures, cleaning equipment was stored with clean pots and frozen fish was thawed in vacuum-sealed packaging, which is a risk for botulism.

According to the inspection report, the top interior of the ice machine, ladles, cookline equipment, cooler doors, floors and refrigerator gaskets were unclean. A follow-up inspection is to be conducted on or before July 18.

South Carolina has new vaccine requirements for some students before the upcoming school year, health officials say.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health has updated its annual minimum immunization requirements for students to attend school in August. The updates include specific vaccination changes for students in fifth grade and seventh through 12th grade, unless they have certain exemptions.

South Carolina state law requires a valid S.C. certificate of immunization or a valid exemption. Children without either of those are not allowed to attend school or childcare in the state. Failure to comply with the law may result in audits or legal action.

Appointments for certain vaccines, including for flu, pneumonia, and tetanus, can also be made at public health clinics.

You can also make an appointment by calling 1-855-472-3432.

Medical Exemption: The Medical Exemption section of the SC Certificate of Immunization should only be completed when a child has a permanent or temporary medical reason for exclusion from receipt of vaccine(s). The Medical Exemption section must be completed by a licensed physician or his or her authorized representative, such as a physician’s assistant or advanced practice registered nurse. For temporary medical exemptions, an expiration date in the future should be documented when next immunizations are due.

Religious Exemption: A religious exemption may be granted to any student whose parent or guardian signs the appropriate section of the South Carolina Certificate of Religious Exemption stating that one or more immunizations conflict with their religious beliefs. The South Carolina Certificate of Religious Exemption can only be obtained from a DPH department. The parent or guardian must sign the DPH form in the presence of a notary.

Special Exemption: A SC Certificate of Special Exemption may be issued by the school to a student that has been unable to secure immunizations or documentation of immunizations already received. This exemption is only valid for 30 calendar days for the current enrollment and may be issued only once.

Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis — Grades 5K-12

Four doses of any combination of DTP, DT, DTaP, Td, or Tdap vaccine with at least one dose received on or after the fourth birthday. Refer to the currently published ACIP Catch Up Schedule for guidance on recommendations for students who are behind. For children 7 years of age and older following a catch-up schedule, three doses may be acceptable.

Tdap booster — Grades 7-12

One dose of Tdap vaccine. This dose of Tdap may be included as one of the doses needed to meet the requirement for Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis. The vaccine must be given on or after the child’s 10th birthday.

Polio — Grades 5K-12

Three doses of oral and or inactivated polio vaccine with at least one dose received on or after the fourth birthday.

Measles, mumps and rubella — Grades 5K-12

Two doses of MMR vaccine with both doses received on or after the first birthday and separated by at least four weeks.

Hepatitis A — Grades 5K-5

Two doses of Hepatitis A vaccine with both doses received on or after the first birthday and separated by at least six months.

Hepatitis B — Grades 5K-12

Three doses of hepatitis B vaccine, with the third dose received after 24 weeks of age and at least 16 weeks after the first dose.

Varicella — Grades 5K-11

Two doses of varicella vaccine with both doses received on or after the first birthday and separated by at least four weeks or a positive history of disease.

Varicella — Grades 12

One dose of varicella vaccine received on or after the first birthday or a positive history of disease.