Coastal Flooding, Beach Hazards Hit North Carolina Coast
Downtown Wilmington faces coastal flooding while dangerous surf conditions and rip currents create hazards for beachgoers along the North Carolina coast.
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA — Coastal flooding and dangerous beach conditions prompted multiple weather advisories along North Carolina’s coast, with downtown Wilmington experiencing minor flooding and beachgoers facing hazardous surf conditions through Saturday evening.
The National Weather Service Wilmington office issued a Coastal Flood Advisory for the lower Cape Fear River area, including downtown Wilmington, warning of up to one half foot of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. The advisory remained in effect until 1:00 AM Sunday.
“The lowest portions of USS North Carolina Road and Battleship Road begin to observe minor coastal flooding,” according to the National Weather Service advisory. “Water begins to spread out of storm drains onto Water Street just south of Market Street in downtown Wilmington.”
Beach Conditions Pose Safety Risks
Beach hazards statements warned of dangerous surf conditions along coastal New Hanover County and South Carolina’s Coastal Georgetown County. Strong north to south longshore currents created hazardous swimming conditions, with a moderate risk of rip currents specifically affecting New Hanover County beaches.
The National Weather Service cautioned that longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties and other hazardous areas. The currents may also sweep swimmers off their feet, making it difficult to return to shore safely.
Both beach hazards statements were set to expire at 8:00 PM Saturday evening.
Flooding Impacts Downtown Area
The coastal flooding primarily affected areas around downtown Wilmington’s waterfront district. Officials noted that the affected areas listed in the advisory are based on average tide conditions, with additional locations potentially experiencing flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, high winds or other contributing factors.
The flooding comes as the region experiences seasonal weather patterns that can contribute to both coastal inundation and challenging surf conditions. Water Street, a major thoroughfare in Wilmington’s historic downtown area, saw water spreading from storm drains in the area south of Market Street.
Residents and visitors in the affected areas were advised to avoid driving through flooded roadways and to exercise extreme caution near waterfront areas during the advisory period. The USS North Carolina Road and Battleship Road, which provide access to the historic USS North Carolina battleship memorial, experienced the initial impacts of the rising water levels.
