Frank Johnson Chief Meteorologist WBTW

 

🌪️ Rotary Club of Myrtle Beach Spotlight: Our Dynamic Speaker Frank Johnson! 🌴

What an inspiring evening at our latest meeting! We were thrilled to host Frank Johnson, Chief Meteorologist at WBTW, who delivered a gripping talk on Hurricane Season—Trends, Risks, and Local History. 📺☀️

Frank shared how a Rotary scholarship in high school launched his incredible career—proof of the life-changing impact we make through our programs! 🎓💪

Key highlights from his eye-opening presentation:

• Peak season for us in Myrtle Beach runs Aug 15–Oct 15 (official Atlantic peak: Sept 10). Recent years start slow but ramp up post-mid-September. 📅
• So far in 2025: 6 named storms (mostly tropical)—below average, but forecasts call for 13–19 total storms & 6–10 hurricanes. Warmer-than-usual Atlantic waters, no El Niño to dampen things! 🌊🔥
• Storm patterns: Sept ones brew off Africa & curve our way; October hits closer to home with shorter warnings. ⚡
• Our local history: We see a hurricane every ~8 years—5 in the last 8 alone! Remember Ian (2022), Dorian (2019), Florence (2018), Matthew (2016), Hugo (1989), & Hazel (1954)? We’re overdue for a major one (every ~23 years). These events even shaped our golf course boom post-Hazel! ⛳🏖️
• Prep tips: Evac orders sync with Charleston for safety—plenty of time for Myrtle Beach & Georgetown. Stay ready, Horry County! 🚗🛡️

Huge thanks to Frank for the wisdom & motivation—reminding us to build resilient communities together. Who’s joining us next? Drop a comment! 👏

#RotaryMyrtleBeach #HurricanePrep #StaySafeSC #RotaryImpact