Alert archive / North Carolina / Rip Current Statements in 2023

Rip Current Statement 1, NWS Wilmington, NC

April 29, 2023Brunswick County, New Hanover County, Pender County, North Carolina; Horry County, South Carolina

NWS Wilmington, NC issued this rip current statement at Apr 29, 2023, 7:56 PM EDT for Brunswick County, New Hanover County, Pender County, North Carolina; Horry County, South Carolina. It took effect at Apr 30, 2023, 6:00 AM EDT. It was in force for 14 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Apr 29, 2023, 7:56 PM EDT (23:56 UTC)
In effect from
Apr 30, 2023, 6:00 AM EDT
Expired
Apr 30, 2023, 8:00 PM EDT
In force
14 hr
Issued by
NWS Wilmington, NC

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

The radar

The Wilmington radar (KLTX), 26 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 23:59 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, 11.9 hours before the alert went out and 142 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 2023-04-29Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 460 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 12:00Z on 2023-04-29The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 94 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 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
460 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-28 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
854 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
40 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
94 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
88 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.2
Supercell composite
1.1

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

649 
WHUS42 KILM 292356
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
756 PM EDT Sat Apr 29 2023

NCZ110-300930-
/O.NEW.KILM.RP.S.0001.230430T1000Z-230501T0000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.SU.Y.0004.230430T1200Z-230501T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
756 PM EDT Sat Apr 29 2023

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT SUNDAY THROUGH
SUNDAY EVENING...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM EDT
SUNDAY...

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents
  expected. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 4
  to 7 feet expected in the surf zone. Strong west to east
  longshore currents are also likely.

* WHERE...Coastal Brunswick County.

* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, from 6 AM EDT Sunday 
  through Sunday evening. For the High Surf Advisory, from 8 AM 
  to 8 PM EDT Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and
  localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best
  swimmers away from shore into deeper water. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to
dangerous surf conditions.

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.

&&

$$

SCZ056-300930-
/O.NEW.KILM.BH.S.0007.230430T1000Z-230501T0000Z/
Coastal Georgetown-
756 PM EDT Sat Apr 29 2023

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

* WHAT...Strong south to north longshore current. There is also a
  Moderate Risk of rip currents expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Georgetown County.

* 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. It may
  sweep swimmers off their feet, making it difficult to return to
  shore.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

NCZ106-108-SCZ054-300930-
/O.NEW.KILM.RP.S.0001.230430T1000Z-230501T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Horry-
756 PM EDT Sat Apr 29 2023

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

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected. Strong south to north 
  longshore currents are also likely.

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

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

&&

$$

IGB/ABW
2 follow-up statements
999 
WHUS42 KILM 301003
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
603 AM EDT Sun Apr 30 2023

NCZ110-010000-
/O.CON.KILM.SU.Y.0004.230430T1200Z-230501T0000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0001.000000T0000Z-230501T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
603 AM EDT Sun Apr 30 2023

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

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents.
  For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 4 to 7 feet
  expected in the surf zone.

* WHERE...Coastal Brunswick County.

* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, through this evening. 
  For the High Surf Advisory, until 8 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and 
  localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best 
  swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to
dangerous surf conditions.

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.

&&

$$

SCZ056-010000-
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0007.000000T0000Z-230501T0000Z/
Coastal Georgetown-
603 AM EDT Sun Apr 30 2023

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Strong south to north longshore current. There is also a
  Moderate Risk of rip currents.

* WHERE...Coastal Georgetown County.

* WHEN...Through this evening.

* IMPACTS...Longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers 
  into rip currents, piers, jetties, and other hazardous areas. 
  It may sweep swimmers off their feet, making it difficult to 
  return to shore.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

NCZ106-108-SCZ054-010000-
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0001.000000T0000Z-230501T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Horry-
603 AM EDT Sun Apr 30 2023

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

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

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

* WHEN...Through 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.

&&

$$
209 
WHUS42 KILM 302351
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
751 PM EDT Sun Apr 30 2023

NCZ110-010800-
/O.EXP.KILM.SU.Y.0004.000000T0000Z-230501T0000Z/
/O.EXP.KILM.RP.S.0001.000000T0000Z-230501T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KILM.RP.S.0002.230501T1000Z-230502T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
751 PM EDT Sun Apr 30 2023

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

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Brunswick County.

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

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

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...There will also be a strong west to east
  longshore current.

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.

&&

$$

SCZ054-010800-
/O.EXP.KILM.RP.S.0001.000000T0000Z-230501T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KILM.BH.S.0008.230501T1000Z-230502T0000Z/
Coastal Horry-
751 PM EDT Sun Apr 30 2023

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

* WHAT...Strong south to north longshore current is expected north
  of Myrtle Beach. From Myrtle Beach southward a moderate
  longshore current is expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Horry County.

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

* IMPACTS...Longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers 
  into rip currents, piers, jetties, and other hazardous areas. 
  It may sweep swimmers off their feet, making it difficult to 
  return to shore.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

&&

$$

SCZ056-010100-
/O.EXP.KILM.BH.S.0007.000000T0000Z-230501T0000Z/
Coastal Georgetown-
751 PM EDT Sun Apr 30 2023

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT WILL EXPIRE AT 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

$$

NCZ106-108-010100-
/O.EXP.KILM.RP.S.0001.000000T0000Z-230501T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
751 PM EDT Sun Apr 30 2023

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

$$

9

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Apr 29, 3:21 AM EDTGale WatchILM12 hr
Apr 29, 3:21 AM EDTSmall Craft AdvisoryILM29 hr
Apr 29, 3:20 PM EDTHigh Surf AdvisoryILMBrunswick29 hr
Apr 29, 3:21 PM EDTGale WarningILM29 hr
Apr 29, 7:56 PM EDTBeach Hazards StatementILMGeorgetown24 hr

Nearby

Rip Current Statements in North Carolina, 2023Rip Current Statements in South Carolina, 2023Every rip current statement in 2023

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.