Hurricane Dorian visits Myrtle Beach

Aftermath of last year's Hurricane Florence in Conway.

Hurricane Dorian has made its presence known in the Myrtle Beach and Conway area.

While Dorian has weakened to a Category 2, the storm continues to impact the Grand Strand.

WMBF News has reported that Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune has signed a declaration of civil emergency this afternoon.

Power lines have been knocked down on East Cox Ferry Road in Conway and tornadoes have touched down in the area since the warning was issued at 4 a.m. this morning.

One touched down in Little River and several others have touched down in the North Myrtle Beach area and a tornado watch will continue until 4 p.m., according to Greenville News.

Storm surge warnings will remain in effect for all of South Carolina’s coastline throughout Thursday, according to WMBF News. The National Weather Service has also issued a flash flood watch that will remain in effect until tomorrow morning.

“High tide is approaching. MBFD is advising people to stay off the beach as water has begun to reach the dunes,” the Myrtle Beach Fire Department tweeted.

The Department of Education wants students to stay safe during this time and be aware of the resources available to those who are impacted by the storm.

“The Department of Education’s Disaster Recovery Unit has been in regular contact with representatives from all State Education Agencies in the States and US territories in Dorian’s path. The DRU is a five-person team, formed this past July, which works full time to provide leadership and support education stakeholders affected by a natural disaster in order to restore the learning environment,” Eli Mansour, Deputy Press Secretary, said.

The Department operates a Hurricane Help website and has a hotline for higher education students and borrowers that are impacted by natural disasters. The website link is www.ed.gov/hurricane and the number for the financial aid hotline is 1-800-4FED-AID.

“The Department is committed to supporting schools and students before, during, and after natural events like Hurricane Dorian,” Mansour said.