Alert archive / North Carolina / Rip Current Statements in 2020

Rip Current Statement 7, NWS Wilmington, NC

May 16, 2020Georgetown County, Horry County, South Carolina; Brunswick County, New Hanover County, Pender County, North Carolina

NWS Wilmington, NC issued this rip current statement at May 16, 2020, 8:13 PM EDT for Georgetown County, Horry County, South Carolina; Brunswick County, New Hanover County, Pender County, North Carolina. It took effect at May 17, 2020, 6:00 AM EDT. It was in force for 14 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
May 16, 2020, 8:13 PM EDT (00:13 UTC)
In effect from
May 17, 2020, 6:00 AM EDT
Expired
May 17, 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 00:14 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 00:00Z, 0.2 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 00:00Z on 2020-05-17Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 101 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 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 00:00Z on 2020-05-17The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -10 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
101 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-119 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
900 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
14 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-10 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
-1 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

359 
WHUS42 KILM 170013
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
813 PM EDT Sat May 16 2020

NCZ106-108-171015-
/O.EXP.KILM.RP.S.0006.000000T0000Z-200517T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KILM.RP.S.0007.200517T1000Z-200518T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
813 PM EDT Sat May 16 2020

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT SUNDAY THROUGH
SUNDAY EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK HAS EXPIRED...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Pender and Coastal New Hanover Counties.

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

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

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...There is a high risk of rip currents. Life
  threatening rip currents are likely in the surf zone. Rip
  currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away
  from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the
  sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as groins,
  jetties, and piers. Heed the advice of lifeguards, beach patrol
  flags, and signs.

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.

&&

$$
4 follow-up statements
169 
WHUS42 KILM 170028
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
828 PM EDT Sat May 16 2020

NCZ106-108-171100-
/O.NEW.KILM.BH.S.0010.200517T1000Z-200518T0000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0007.200517T1000Z-200518T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
828 PM EDT Sat May 16 2020

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

* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement, A Beach Hazards
  Statement is issued when threats such as rip currents, 
  longshore currents, and other hazards create life-threatening 
  conditions in the surf zone. Caution should be used when in or 
  near the water. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip 
  currents expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Pender and Coastal New Hanover Counties.

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

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

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...There is a high risk of rip currents. Life
  threatening rip currents are likely in the surf zone. Rip
  currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away
  from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the
  sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as groins,
  jetties, and piers. Heed the advice of lifeguards, beach patrol
  flags, and signs.

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.

&&

$$

SCZ054-056-171100-
/O.NEW.KILM.BH.S.0010.200517T1000Z-200518T0000Z/
Coastal Horry-Coastal Georgetown-
828 PM EDT Sat May 16 2020

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT SUNDAY THROUGH
SUNDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement, A Beach Hazards
  Statement is issued when threats such as rip currents, 
  longshore currents, and other hazards create life-threatening 
  conditions in the surf zone. expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Horry and Coastal Georgetown Counties.

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
529 
WHUS42 KILM 170105
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
905 PM EDT Sat May 16 2020

NCZ106-108-171100-
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0010.200517T1000Z-200518T0000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0007.200517T1000Z-200518T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
905 PM EDT Sat May 16 2020

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

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

* WHERE...Coastal Pender and Coastal New Hanover Counties.

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

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
  from shore into deeper water. Longshore currents can also sweep
  swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties, and
  other hazardous areas. Often, if the longshore current is strong
  enough, it will sweep swimmers off their feet, making it
  difficult to return to shore.

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.

&&

$$

SCZ054-056-171100-
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0010.200517T1000Z-200518T0000Z/
Coastal Horry-Coastal Georgetown-
905 PM EDT Sat May 16 2020

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT SUNDAY
THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Strong north to south longshore current expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Horry and Coastal Georgetown Counties.

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

* IMPACTS...Longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers 
  into rip currents, piers, jetties, and other hazardous areas. 
  Often, if the longshore current is strong enough, it will sweep 
  swimmers off their feet, making it difficult to return to shore.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
682 
WHUS42 KILM 170922
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
522 AM EDT Sun May 17 2020

SCZ054-056-180000-
/O.CAN.KILM.BH.S.0010.200517T1000Z-200518T0000Z/
/O.EXA.KILM.RP.S.0007.200517T1000Z-200518T0000Z/
Coastal Horry-Coastal Georgetown-
522 AM EDT Sun May 17 2020

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...
...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected. Also, strong south to
  north longshore currents expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Horry and Coastal Georgetown Counties.

* WHEN...Through this evening.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
  from shore into deeper water. Longshore currents can also sweep
  swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties, and 
  other hazardous areas. Often, if the longshore current is strong
  enough, it will sweep swimmers off their feet, making it 
  difficult to return to shore.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...There is a high risk of rip currents. Life
  threatening rip currents are likely in the surf zone. Rip
  currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away
  from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the
  sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as groins,
  jetties, and piers. Heed the advice of lifeguards, beach patrol
  flags, and signs.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If you become caught in a rip current, 
yell for help. Remain calm, do not exhaust yourself and stay 
afloat while waiting for help. If you have to swim out of a rip 
current, swim parallel to shore and back toward the beach when 
possible. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current as
you will tire quickly.

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$

NCZ106-108-180000-
/O.CAN.KILM.BH.S.0010.200517T1000Z-200518T0000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0007.200517T1000Z-200518T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
522 AM EDT Sun May 17 2020

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...
...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected. Also, strong south to
  north longshore currents expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Pender and Coastal New Hanover Counties.

* WHEN...Through this evening.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
  from shore into deeper water. Longshore currents can also sweep
  swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties, and
  other hazardous areas. Often, if the longshore current is strong
  enough, it will sweep swimmers off their feet, making it
  difficult to return to shore.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...There is a high risk of rip currents. Life
  threatening rip currents are likely in the surf zone. Rip
  currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away
  from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the
  sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as groins,
  jetties, and piers. Heed the advice of lifeguards, beach patrol
  flags, and signs.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If you become caught in a rip current, 
yell for help. Remain calm, do not exhaust yourself and stay 
afloat while waiting for help. If you have to swim out of a rip 
current, swim parallel to shore and back toward the beach when 
possible. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current as
you will tire quickly.

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$

NCZ110-180000-
/O.EXA.KILM.RP.S.0007.200517T1000Z-200518T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
522 AM EDT Sun May 17 2020

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected. Also, strong west to
  east longshore currents expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Brunswick County.

* WHEN...Through this evening.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
  from shore into deeper water. Longshore currents can also sweep
  swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties, and
  other hazardous areas. Often, if the longshore current is strong
  enough, it will sweep swimmers off their feet, making it
  difficult to return to shore.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...There is a high risk of rip currents. Life
  threatening rip currents are likely in the surf zone. Rip
  currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away
  from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the
  sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as groins,
  jetties, and piers. Heed the advice of lifeguards, beach patrol
  flags, and signs.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If you become caught in a rip current, 
yell for help. Remain calm, do not exhaust yourself and stay 
afloat while waiting for help. If you have to swim out of a rip 
current, swim parallel to shore and back toward the beach when 
possible. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current as
you will tire quickly.

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$

IGB
217 
WHUS42 KILM 172349
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
749 PM EDT Sun May 17 2020

NCZ106-108-110-SCZ054-056-180100-
/O.EXP.KILM.RP.S.0007.000000T0000Z-200518T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Brunswick-
Coastal Horry-Coastal Georgetown-
749 PM EDT Sun May 17 2020

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK WILL EXPIRE AT 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING...



$$

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 16, 8:28 PM EDTBeach Hazards StatementILMGeorgetown, Horry9 hr

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.