Coastal Flooding Expected Tonight in Downtown Wilmington
National Weather Service warns downtown Wilmington could see up to 6 inches of flooding tonight from rising tides along the Cape Fear River.
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA — The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood advisory for the lower Cape Fear River area, including downtown Wilmington, warning residents of potential minor flooding from 9 PM tonight through midnight.
Water levels are expected to rise up to one half foot above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways, according to the advisory issued at 2:29 PM today by the NWS Wilmington office.
Areas at Risk
The lowest portions of USS North Carolina Road and Battleship Road are expected to begin experiencing minor coastal flooding as water levels rise. Officials warn that water will likely spread out of storm drains onto Water Street just south of Market Street in downtown Wilmington.
The flooding advisory affects areas based on average tide conditions, but the National Weather Service noted that additional locations may experience flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, high winds, or other weather factors.
Statewide Frost Concerns
While coastal areas face flooding risks, other parts of the region are dealing with unseasonably cool temperatures. The National Weather Service office in Wilmington, Ohio, has issued frost advisories for portions of southeast Indiana, northeast and northern Kentucky, and central, south central, and southwest Ohio.
Temperatures are forecast to drop as low as 35 degrees in some areas and 33 degrees in others from midnight tonight through 9 AM Saturday. The frost formation could harm or kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered.
Residents Advised to Take Precautions
Downtown Wilmington residents and visitors should avoid low-lying areas during the flood advisory period and exercise caution when traveling near waterways. Business owners in the affected areas may want to move valuable items away from ground-level locations.
The coastal flood advisory remains in effect until midnight tonight, with conditions expected to improve afterward as water levels recede.
