MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – February 6, 2026 – A powerful nor’easter and associated bomb cyclone that brought heavy snow, strong winds and widespread power outages to the Carolinas and Southeast over the last week-end, has coincided with an increase in emergency lockouts and access failure in Myrtle Beach, local locksmith professionals report.
The storm system that affected the Carolinas and Southeast over the last week-end was referred to by meteorologists and media outlets as Winter Storm Gianna. The storm evolved into a significant nor’easter off the East Coast between January 30th and February 2nd, and produced record snowfall totals in some parts of the Carolinas and gusts of up to 64 miles per hour near the coast. Officials issued warnings regarding coastal flooding, dangerous wind and bitter cold throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic during the passage of the storm.
Emergency locksmiths who have been responding to emergency calls throughout the Grand Strand, report that the extreme weather has added to difficulties with electronic locks, vehicle keyless entry systems and garage access devices, particularly as power flickered or went out entirely in remote areas.
“After the bomb cyclone had moved out and temperatures dropped, we experienced a marked increase in calls from individuals who were locked out of their homes, vacation rentals and vehicles,” said a representative of My Locksmith Pro, a locksmith service based in Myrtle Beach. “Electronic access systems generally rely on either battery backup or continuous power, and when this is interrupted, it can leave residents and visitors literally stranded outdoors.”
Technicians have identified the following as causes of lockouts:
Power-related electronic lock failures due to depleated batteries during outages.
Moisture intrusion and cold-related shrinkage/contraction affecting mechanical and smart lock hardware.
Cold temperature-related malfunctioning of keyless vehicle entry systems during prolonged periods of exposure to the cold.
Systems used for garage doors being unable to function due to loss of power or resets to the control module.
There were numerous reports of local emergency power outages and winter storm impacts throughout the Carolinas during the storm, which included snowfall accumulation totals of up to six inches in the coastal regions of South Carolina, and extremely cold conditions that remained after the system moved offshore.
Public safety officials note that lockouts during severe weather events present increased risk to both travelers and residents, particularly if the temperatures are low and the outdoor conditions continue to be hazardous.
“This past week-end’s nor’easter was not typical for our area, and that is why people are having to deal with unfamiliar conditions — both with the weather and technological failures.” The locksmith representative stated. “Being locked out in subfreezing temperatures can rapidly move from an inconvenience to a risk.”
Observers within the industry say that an unusual winter storm combined with a heavy reliance on electronic access systems has shown vulnerabilities in property access infrastructure, particularly during peak travel and holidays.
About My Locksmith Pro
My Locksmith Pro is a locksmith service company located in Myrtle Beach that provides residential, commercial and automotive access services throughout the Grand Strand region of South Carolina.
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Contact Person: Charmain Monroe
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Phone: 2032960995
Address:456 Glenbrook Rd. Suite11 #564
City: STAMFORD
State: CT
Country: United States
Website: https://gadgetlesstech.com