Coastal Flood Advisory Issued for Cape Fear Region Through Friday
NWS warns of minor coastal flooding up to 6 inches deep affecting Wilmington area roads and waterways through midnight Friday.
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA — The National Weather Service issued coastal flood advisories Thursday afternoon for multiple counties along North Carolina’s southeastern coast, warning residents of minor flooding expected through midnight Friday.
Up to one half foot of water inundation above ground level is forecast for low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways in coastal Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick counties from 6 PM to 8 PM this evening, according to the weather service’s Wilmington office.
A separate advisory covers the lower Cape Fear River, including downtown Wilmington, where flooding is expected from 7 PM Thursday until midnight Friday.
Specific Areas at Risk
In downtown Wilmington, a block of Water Street is forecast to experience minor flooding up to one quarter foot in depth. The weather service warned that portions of Battleship Road and USS North Carolina Road could see minor coastal flooding up to one half foot deep.
Low-lying roads and locations along the Intracoastal Waterway and adjacent tidal creeks throughout the three-county area may observe minor coastal flooding during the advisory periods.
Transportation and Safety Impacts
Officials advised residents to check with local authorities for any road closures or transportation impacts during the flood periods. The weather service emphasized that even minor flooding can create hazardous driving conditions and urged motorists to avoid flooded roadways.
The advisories were issued at 2:24 PM Thursday by the National Weather Service’s Wilmington forecast office, which monitors weather conditions for the Cape Fear region.
Coastal flooding typically occurs during high tide cycles when astronomical tides combine with weather-related factors to push water levels above normal. The brief duration of Thursday evening’s advisory suggests the flooding will be tied to specific tidal periods rather than prolonged weather systems.
