Four beach towns became one city in 1968: Cherry Grove Beach, Ocean Drive Beach, Crescent Beach and Windy Hill Beach. Each still has its own character, and each faces water from a slightly different direction. Cherry Grove sits on a spit beside the North Carolina line, with marsh creeks behind it and the ocean in front. The city's own hazard page lists flood sources that include the Atlantic, the Intracoastal Waterway and inland flooding from the Waccamaw River, and it notes that a combination of these is not unusual.
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Cherry Grove, House Creek and Tidal Street Flooding
Horry County's evacuation planning puts the area east of House Creek, from the state line to the middle of Cherry Grove Beach, in Zone A, the first to leave when a hurricane threatens. That marsh-backed ground is where tidal water shows up first. The city warns that during king tides some side streets in low-lying areas can have water over the road, and it asks drivers to stay out of flooded streets because their wakes push water toward homes and garages.
Tidal flooding of this kind is shallow but salty. Garage contents, HVAC condensers set on low pads, and the bottom few inches of drywall in ground-level rooms are the usual casualties.
Hurricanes on the Northern Grand Strand
Hurricane Hazel came ashore just across the state line in October 1954 and hit this stretch hardest of all. In Cherry Grove Beach 75 homes were demolished, and a three-story hotel and an 800-foot pier in what is now North Myrtle Beach were swept into the sea.
More recent storms have followed the same pattern on a smaller scale. Matthew in October 2016 brought 9.38 inches of rain and a 70 mph gust to the local airport. During Ian in September 2022, surge flooded streets in North Myrtle Beach and Cherry Grove for blocks, three to four feet deep in places, and part of the Cherry Grove Pier collapsed. The city also lists the historic rain of October 1 to 5, 2015, and Hurricane Florence in 2018 among its notable flood events.
Second Homes and Leaks That Run for Weeks
Census figures from 2020 show 25,950 housing units in the city with roughly 62 percent classified as vacant, a reflection of vacation homes, rentals and seasonal condos. For owners who live elsewhere, the biggest water risk is often not a storm but a slow leak behind a refrigerator, under a sink or from a water heater, found only when the next guest arrives.
- Turn off the main water valve when a property will sit empty.
- Ask a property manager or neighbor to check after heavy rain or a freeze.
- Install inexpensive leak sensors near water heaters, washers and HVAC air handlers.
- Keep the air conditioning set to run, since humidity control slows mold if water does escape.
When a long-running leak is found, water extraction is only the start. Subfloors, cabinet bases and wall cavities that have been wet for weeks usually need opening up so they can dry.
What Cleanup Looks Like After Salt or River Water
The source of the water shapes the job. Surge and tidal water from Cherry Grove's creeks bring salt and silt; rain-driven flooding can mix with overloaded sewer lines. Either way, porous materials it touched are generally treated as contaminated. A provider handling storm damage cleanup will usually photograph and measure the waterline, remove soaked drywall, insulation and flooring, clean and disinfect the framing, and then run dehumidifiers until moisture readings return to normal.
Returning after an evacuation can take time. The city requires proof of residency or ownership, such as a driver's license, water bill or property tax bill, to re-enter after a hurricane, so keep a copy with you when you leave.
Mold Pressure in Shuttered Beach Houses
A beach house closed up in late summer, with the power off and a damp floor, is close to ideal for mold. Coastal humidity keeps wet materials from drying on their own, and spores settle into carpet, upholstered furniture and the paper face of drywall. If a musty smell greets you on arrival, have the moisture source found before anyone starts scrubbing walls, because surface cleaning without drying usually means the growth comes back.
Neighborhoods and Nearby Communities
Calls come in from across North Myrtle Beach, including:
- Cherry Grove
- Ocean Drive
- Crescent Beach
- Windy Hill
The same line also serves nearby communities such as:
- Atlantic Beach
- Briarcliffe Acres
- Myrtle Beach
- Little River
- Longs
- Conway
Frequently Asked Questions
Which parts of North Myrtle Beach flood first?
City and county guidance points to low-lying areas and the marsh side of Cherry Grove. Horry County places land east of House Creek, from the state line to the center of Cherry Grove Beach, in evacuation Zone A. During king tides the city reports water over some side streets. Heavy rain can cause localized flooding almost anywhere when storm drains back up.
I don't live here full time. How can I tell if my property was damaged after a storm?
Ask a property manager, neighbor or rental company to walk through as soon as roads reopen, and to photograph ceilings, floors and the area around the water heater and air handler. Re-entry after an evacuation requires proof of residency or ownership. If water got in, drying should start promptly, because a closed, humid house can grow mold in a matter of days.
Does a king tide count as a flood for insurance?
Damage from rising tidal or surface water is generally treated as flood, which standard homeowners policies exclude. Coverage typically comes from a separate flood policy, and claims depend on the policy wording. Document the date, water depth and damage with photos; the city's flood information pages and an elevation certificate can also help clarify your property's risk.