Dangerous Rip Currents, High Surf, and Minor Coastal Flooding Expected

Coastal Pender and Coastal New Hanover counties are currently under a Rip Current Statement, High Surf Advisory, and Coastal Flood Advisory issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Wilmington NC. Residents and visitors should exercise extreme caution near coastal areas and prepare for potential impacts.

The Rip Current Statement, indicating a high risk of dangerous rip currents, is in effect from 6 AM EDT Sunday through Sunday evening. The NWS advises inexperienced swimmers to remain out of the water due to these dangerous conditions. If caught in a rip current, the NWS instructs individuals to relax and float, not to swim against the current. If possible, swim parallel to the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help. Always swim near a lifeguard.

A High Surf Advisory is also in effect until 8 AM EDT Sunday, with large breaking waves of 3 to 6 feet expected in the surf zone. Additionally, a Coastal Flood Advisory is in place from 7 AM to 10 AM EDT Sunday. This advisory warns of up to one-half foot of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Low-lying roads and locations along the Intracoastal Waterway and adjacent tidal creeks may experience minor coastal flooding. The NWS recommends allowing extra time for travel if required, not driving around barricades or through water of unknown depth, and taking necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.

These alerts were issued by NWS Wilmington NC on October 10 at 10:23 PM EDT and are effective until various times on October 11.