For South Carolina’s holiday weekend, the biggest weather story may be at the beach — even if the sky looks fine.
Following a lull in rainfall on Sunday, rain will return Sunday night into Monday. All told, many areas may see another 1 to 2 inches of rain from now until Tuesday morning. #ncwx #scwx #gawx pic.twitter.com/qeQMVBS5sa
— NWS GSP (@NWSGSP) May 24, 2026
The National Weather Service says rip currents are the top weather-related killer in the coastal Carolinas, and the danger is often highest when beachgoers feel least on guard. Meteorologist Leslie Hudson has more in the Youtube Short below:
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services reminds swimmers that beaches, lakes, rivers, and streams are not treated like swimming pools, so some health risk is always present.
Reminder ahead of Memorial Day weekend: Swimming in a pool is NOT the same as swimming at a beach with crashing waves, winds, and dangerous currents.
— National Weather Service (@NWS) May 20, 2026
You should be a strong swimmer before you go into the ocean. Learning how to swim is the best defense against drowning.
More tips… pic.twitter.com/6gBEHME515
Viruses, bacteria, and parasites occur naturally in these waters, and exposure can lead to a wide range of health effects. Heavy rain and flooding can make that risk worse by washing additional contaminants into nearby waterways.