Hurricane season in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina runs from June through November each year. The peak months for hurricane activity are August and September. If you are planning a Myrtle Beach golf vacation during these times of the year, you should prepare yourself before arriving at your golf destination. This article provides tips and advice on how to weather any storm the tropics might throw at you while enjoying your golf vacation.

NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, predicts that 2005 will be another above-average Atlantic hurricane season. The organization predicts 12 to15 tropical storms, 7 to 9 hurricanes and 3 to 5 major hurricanes. Vacationing golfers should not take these predictions lightly. We have already seen one of the busiest Julys in the history of hurricane tracking.

Golfers should not let these predictions deter them from taking a golf trip to the Myrtle Beach area during the summer and fall seasons. Summer golf deals along the Grand Strand are hotter than our southern summers. Also, fall in Myrtle Beach provides golfers with dropping accommodation rates to accompany falling temperatures and humidity.

If you are unlucky enough to be right in the middle of a golf vacation when a hurricane takes aim at the coast of the Carolinas, dont worry. Unlike an unexpected afternoon thunderstorm, hurricanes do not sneak up on the South Carolina coast. This gives vacationing golfers plenty of time to leave before the situation gets dangerous.

The best piece of advice we can offer if you plan on visiting the Grand Strand golf area during hurricane season is to keep an eye on the extended Myrtle Beach weather forecast. If a hurricane approaches during your trip, don't panic. As soon as it looks like you may need to abandon your golf vacation, begin following these steps.

• Watch the local weather station and follow their advice.
• Check on earlier flights and arrive earlier at the airport.
• Fill your car with a full tank of gas at first sign of hurricane.
• Map out evacuation routes before your leave.
• Pack water and food in case of traffic jams when driving.
• Dont wait until the last minute to evacuate.

Most golf packages provide refunds or rain checks in the event of cancellations and evacuations due to hurricanes. Make sure to ask about this before booking your Myrtle Beach golf vacation. Even if you are not planning a Myrtle Beach golf trip during hurricane season, go ahead and ask your golf package provider about refunds and cancellations caused by bad weather.

Whatever you do, dont take the threat of hurricanes lightly. Pay attention to local weather forecasts. Listen to local officials. Follow the steps above and giver yourself plenty of time to evacuate your golf vacation destination safely.

Copyright 2005 Evans Putman - All Rights Reserved. Reprints allowed see below.