Rip Current Statement, Coastal Flood & High Surf Advisories for Coastal Brunswick

Coastal Brunswick County residents and visitors are advised of a Rip Current Statement, Coastal Flood Advisory, and High Surf Advisory in effect. These alerts indicate dangerous water conditions and potential minor coastal flooding beginning Sunday, October 11th.

The National Weather Service in Wilmington NC has issued a High Rip Current Risk from 6 AM EDT Sunday through Sunday evening. Dangerous rip currents are expected. A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect from 7 AM to 10 AM EDT Sunday, with up to one half foot of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Additionally, a High Surf Advisory is active from 11 AM to 11 PM EDT Sunday, predicting large breaking waves of 3 to 6 feet in the surf zone.

Impacts include minor coastal flooding on low-lying roads and locations along the Intracoastal Waterway and adjacent tidal creeks. Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions, as well as localized beach erosion, are also anticipated. Rip currents can sweep even strong swimmers away from shore.

If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water. If you must swim, do so near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float, don't swim against the current. Swim parallel to the shoreline if possible, or face the shore and call/wave for help.