Alert archive / North Carolina / Rip Current Statements in 2020

Rip Current Statement 13, NWS Wilmington, NC

May 26, 2020Brunswick County, New Hanover County, Pender County, North Carolina; Georgetown County, Horry County, South Carolina

NWS Wilmington, NC issued this rip current statement at May 26, 2020, 7:57 PM EDT for Brunswick County, New Hanover County, Pender County, North Carolina; Georgetown County, Horry County, South Carolina. It took effect at May 27, 2020, 6:00 AM EDT. It was in force for 14 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
May 26, 2020, 7:57 PM EDT (23:57 UTC)
In effect from
May 27, 2020, 6:00 AM EDT
Expired
May 27, 2020, 8:00 PM EDT
In force
14 hr
Issued by
NWS Wilmington, NC

Counties Brunswick County, NC, New Hanover County, NC, Pender County, NC, Georgetown County, SC, Horry County, SC

The radar

The Wilmington radar (KLTX), 3 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 23:54 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Newport, NC (KMHX), launched 12:00Z, 12.0 hours before the alert went out and 168 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Newport, NC at 12:00Z on 2020-05-26Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Newport, NC at 12:00Z on 2020-05-26The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 46 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
625 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
16 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
46 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
53 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

741 
WHUS42 KILM 262357
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
757 PM EDT Tue May 26 2020

NCZ107-270600-
/O.CON.KILM.CF.Y.0026.200527T0300Z-200527T0600Z/
Inland New Hanover-
757 PM EDT Tue May 26 2020

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS
EVENING TO 2 AM EDT WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level 
  expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal 
  waterways.

* WHERE...The lower Cape Fear River including downtown 
  Wilmington.

* WHEN...From 11 PM this evening to 2 AM EDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...North of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, one spot on 
  Battleship Road is covered with water about three inches deep. 
  The westbound lane of USS North Carolina Road is covered with 
  water up to six inches deep. In downtown Wilmington, about a 
  block of Water Street just south of Market Street is covered 
  with about three inches of water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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 the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.

&&

Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.

Cape Fear River at Wilmington - Flood Stage 5.5 FT
MLLW Categories - Minor 5.5 ft, Moderate 6.7 ft, Major 10.0 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 0.8 ft, Moderate 2.0 ft, Major 5.3 ft

             Total      Total    Departure                   
 Day/Time    Tide       Tide     from Norm   Waves    Flood  
            ft MLLW    ft MHHW       ft       ft      Impact 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 27/01 AM     5.8        1.1        1.0        1      Minor    
 27/02 PM     5.1        0.4        1.2        1       None    
 28/01 AM     5.8        1.1        1.1        1      Minor    
 28/02 PM     4.7       -0.0        0.8        1       None    
 29/02 AM     5.3        0.6        0.7        1       None    
 29/04 PM     4.6       -0.1        0.5        1       None

&&

$$

NCZ110-270600-
/O.NEW.KILM.BH.S.0011.200527T1000Z-200528T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KILM.RP.S.0013.200527T1000Z-200528T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
757 PM EDT Tue May 26 2020

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT WEDNESDAY
THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT WEDNESDAY
THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement, a strong longshore
  current is expected. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous 
  rip currents expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Brunswick County.

* WHEN...From 6 AM EDT Wednesday through Wednesday evening.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
  from shore into deeper water. Longshore currents can sweep
  swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties, and
  other hazardous areas.

Caution should be used when in or near the water. Check with the
lifeguards before entering the ocean for possible hazards you may
be swept into..

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$

NCZ106-108-SCZ054-056-270600-
/O.NEW.KILM.RP.S.0013.200527T1000Z-200528T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Horry-
Coastal Georgetown-
757 PM EDT Tue May 26 2020

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT WEDNESDAY
THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.

* WHERE...In South Carolina, Coastal Horry and Coastal 
  Georgetown Counties. In North Carolina, Coastal Pender and 
  Coastal New Hanover Counties.

* WHEN...From 6 AM EDT Wednesday through Wednesday evening.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
  from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

$$

21
4 follow-up statements
080 
WHUS42 KILM 270540
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
140 AM EDT Wed May 27 2020

NCZ107-270700-
/O.EXT.KILM.CF.Y.0026.000000T0000Z-200527T0700Z/
Inland New Hanover-
140 AM EDT Wed May 27 2020

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM EDT EARLY THIS
MORNING...

* WHAT...Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level 
  expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal 
  waterways.

* WHERE...The lower Cape Fear River including downtown 
  Wilmington.

* WHEN...Until 3 AM EDT early this morning.

* IMPACTS...North of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, one spot on
  Battleship Road is covered with water about three inches deep.
  The westbound lane of USS North Carolina Road is covered with
  water up to six inches deep. In downtown Wilmington, about a
  block of Water Street just south of Market Street is covered
  with about three inches of water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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 the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.

&&

Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.

Cape Fear River at Wilmington - Flood Stage 5.5 FT
MLLW Categories - Minor 5.5 ft, Moderate 6.7 ft, Major 10.0 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 0.8 ft, Moderate 2.0 ft, Major 5.3 ft

             Total      Total    Departure                   
 Day/Time    Tide       Tide     from Norm   Waves    Flood  
            ft MLLW    ft MHHW       ft       ft      Impact 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 27/01 AM     5.8        1.1        1.0        1      Minor    
 27/02 PM     5.1        0.4        1.2        1       None    
 28/01 AM     5.8        1.1        1.1        1      Minor    
 28/02 PM     4.7       -0.0        0.8        1       None    
 29/02 AM     5.3        0.6        0.7        1       None    
 29/04 PM     4.6       -0.1        0.5        1       None

&&

$$

NCZ110-271345-
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0011.200527T1000Z-200528T0000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0013.200527T1000Z-200528T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
140 AM EDT Wed May 27 2020

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT THIS
MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT THIS
MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement, a strong longshore 
  current is expected. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous 
  rip currents expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Brunswick County.

* WHEN...From 6 AM EDT Wednesday through Wednesday evening.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
  from shore into deeper water. Longshore currents can sweep
  swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties, and
  other hazardous areas.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$

NCZ106-108-SCZ054-056-271345-
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0013.200527T1000Z-200528T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Horry-
Coastal Georgetown-
140 AM EDT Wed May 27 2020

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT THIS
MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.

* WHERE...In South Carolina, Coastal Horry and Coastal 
  Georgetown Counties. In North Carolina, Coastal Pender and 
  Coastal New Hanover Counties.

* WHEN...From 6 AM EDT Wednesday through Wednesday evening.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
  from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

$$
881 
WHUS42 KILM 270656
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
256 AM EDT Wed May 27 2020

NCZ107-272000-
/O.CAN.KILM.CF.Y.0026.000000T0000Z-200527T0700Z/
/O.NEW.KILM.CF.Y.0027.200528T0400Z-200528T0800Z/
Inland New Hanover-
256 AM EDT Wed May 27 2020

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 4 AM
EDT THURSDAY...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level 
  expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal 
  waterways.

* WHERE...The lower Cape Fear River including downtown 
  Wilmington.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 4 AM EDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...North of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, one spot on
  Battleship Road is covered with water about three inches deep.
  The westbound lane of USS North Carolina Road is covered with
  water up to six inches deep. In downtown Wilmington, about a
  block of Water Street just south of Market Street is covered
  with about three inches of water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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 the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.

&&

Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.

Cape Fear River at Wilmington - Flood Stage 5.5 FT
MLLW Categories - Minor 5.5 ft, Moderate 6.7 ft, Major 10.0 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 0.8 ft, Moderate 2.0 ft, Major 5.3 ft

             Total      Total    Departure                   
 Day/Time    Tide       Tide     from Norm   Waves    Flood  
            ft MLLW    ft MHHW       ft       ft      Impact 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 27/02 PM     5.1        0.4        1.2        1       None    
 28/02 AM     5.8        1.1        1.1        1      Minor    
 28/02 PM     4.8        0.1        0.9        1       None    
 29/02 AM     5.3        0.6        0.7        1       None    
 29/03 PM     4.7       -0.0        0.7        1       None

&&

$$

NCZ110-272000-
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0011.200527T1000Z-200528T0000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0013.200527T1000Z-200528T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
256 AM EDT Wed May 27 2020

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT THIS
MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT THIS
MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement, a strong longshore 
  current is expected. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous 
  rip currents expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Brunswick County.

* WHEN...From 6 AM EDT Wednesday through Wednesday evening.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water. Longshore currents can sweep 
  swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties, and 
  other hazardous areas.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$

NCZ106-108-SCZ054-056-272000-
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0013.200527T1000Z-200528T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Horry-
Coastal Georgetown-
256 AM EDT Wed May 27 2020

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT THIS
MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.

* WHERE...In South Carolina, Coastal Horry and Coastal 
  Georgetown Counties. In North Carolina, Coastal Pender and 
  Coastal New Hanover Counties.

* WHEN...From 6 AM EDT Wednesday through Wednesday evening.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

$$
694 
WHUS42 KILM 271930
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
330 PM EDT Wed May 27 2020

NCZ107-280400-
/O.CON.KILM.CF.Y.0027.200528T0400Z-200528T0800Z/
Inland New Hanover-
330 PM EDT Wed May 27 2020

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT
TO 4 AM EDT THURSDAY...

* WHAT...One half to 1 foot of inundation above ground level 
  expected in low-lying areas bordering the banks of the Lower 
  Cape Fear River. 

* WHERE...The lower Cape Fear River from downtown Wilmington
  southward. 

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 4 AM EDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Water six to 12 inches deep on the lowest parts of
  Battleship Road and USS North Carolina Road. Water will
  partially spread across River Road south of downtown Wilmington.
  In downtown Wilmington, up to one-half foot of water will cover
  more than a block of Water Street.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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 the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.

&&

Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.

Cape Fear River at Wilmington - Flood Stage 5.5 FT
MLLW Categories - Minor 5.5 ft, Moderate 6.7 ft, Major 10.0 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 0.8 ft, Moderate 2.0 ft, Major 5.3 ft

             Total      Total    Departure                   
 Day/Time    Tide       Tide     from Norm   Waves    Flood  
            ft MLLW    ft MHHW       ft       ft      Impact 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 28/01 AM     6.0        1.3        1.3        1      Minor    
 28/02 PM     4.9        0.2        1.0        1       None    
 29/02 AM     5.5        0.8        0.9        1      Minor    
 29/04 PM     4.8        0.1        0.7        1       None    
 30/04 AM     5.2        0.5        0.6        1       None

&&

$$

NCZ110-280000-
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0011.000000T0000Z-200528T0000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0013.000000T0000Z-200528T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
330 PM EDT Wed May 27 2020

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement, a strong longshore 
  current is expected. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous 
  rip currents expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Brunswick County.

* WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water. Longshore currents can sweep 
  swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties, and 
  other hazardous areas.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$

NCZ106-108-SCZ054-056-280000-
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0013.000000T0000Z-200528T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Horry-
Coastal Georgetown-
330 PM EDT Wed May 27 2020

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...In South Carolina, Coastal Horry and Coastal 
  Georgetown Counties. In North Carolina, Coastal Pender and 
  Coastal New Hanover Counties.

* WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

&&

$$

dch
009 
WHUS42 KILM 280002
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
802 PM EDT Wed May 27 2020

NCZ110-280115-
/O.EXP.KILM.BH.S.0011.000000T0000Z-200528T0000Z/
/O.EXP.KILM.RP.S.0013.000000T0000Z-200528T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
802 PM EDT Wed May 27 2020

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT HAS EXPIRED...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK HAS EXPIRED...

$$

NCZ106-108-SCZ054-056-280115-
/O.EXP.KILM.RP.S.0013.000000T0000Z-200528T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Horry-
Coastal Georgetown-
802 PM EDT Wed May 27 2020

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK HAS EXPIRED...

$$

NCZ107-280800-
/O.CON.KILM.CF.Y.0027.200528T0400Z-200528T0800Z/
Inland New Hanover-
802 PM EDT Wed May 27 2020

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT
TO 4 AM EDT THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Up to one foot of inundation above ground level 
  expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal 
  waterways.

* WHERE...The lower Cape Fear River including downtown 
  Wilmington.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 4 AM EDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Water is six to 12 inches deep on the lowest parts 
  of Battleship Road and USS North Carolina Road. Water begins 
  to spread on to River Road about a quarter mile south of The 
  Cape Boulevard. In downtown Wilmington, water covers more than 
  a block of Water Street near Market Street with three to six 
  inches of water just south of Market Street.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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 the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.

&&

Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.

Cape Fear River at Wilmington - Flood Stage 5.5 FT
MLLW Categories - Minor 5.5 ft, Moderate 6.7 ft, Major 10.0 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 0.8 ft, Moderate 2.0 ft, Major 5.3 ft

             Total      Total    Departure                   
 Day/Time    Tide       Tide     from Norm   Waves    Flood  
            ft MLLW    ft MHHW       ft       ft      Impact 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 28/01 AM     6.0        1.3        1.3        1      Minor    
 28/02 PM     5.0        0.3        1.1        1       None    
 29/02 AM     5.5        0.8        0.9        1      Minor    
 29/04 PM     4.9        0.2        0.8        1       None    
 30/04 AM     5.3        0.6        0.7        1       None    
 30/05 PM     4.9        0.2        0.6        1       None

&&

$$

8

The office that day

Everything else NWS Wilmington, NC issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 26, 3:06 AM EDTSmall Craft AdvisoryILM60 hr
May 26, 3:15 PM EDTCoastal Flood AdvisoryILMNew Hanover12 hr
May 26, 7:57 PM EDTBeach Hazards StatementILMBrunswick24 hr
May 26, 11:39 AM EDTRiver Flood WarningILMHorry, Marion21 days

Nearby

Rip Current Statements in North Carolina, 2020Rip Current Statements in South Carolina, 2020Every rip current statement in 2020

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.