Alert archive / North Carolina / Rip Current Statements in 2024

Rip Current Statement 17, NWS Wilmington, NC

July 16, 2024Brunswick County, New Hanover County, Pender County, North Carolina; Horry County, South Carolina

NWS Wilmington, NC issued this rip current statement at Jul 16, 2024, 7:49 PM EDT for Brunswick County, New Hanover County, Pender County, North Carolina; Horry County, South Carolina. It took effect at Jul 17, 2024, 6:00 AM EDT. It was in force for 14 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued: Jul 16, 2024, 7:49 PM EDT (23:49 UTC)
In effect from: Jul 17, 2024, 6:00 AM EDT
Expired: Jul 17, 2024, 7:44 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 23:52 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, 11.8 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-p

Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.

Hodograph

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: 1773 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN: -49 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL: 917 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear: 16 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity: 75 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity: 50 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter: 0.0
Supercell composite: 0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

953 
WHUS42 KILM 162349
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
749 PM EDT Tue Jul 16 2024

NCZ106-108-180000-
/O.CAN.KILM.BH.S.0020.000000T0000Z-240717T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KILM.BH.S.0021.240717T1000Z-240718T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KILM.RP.S.0017.240717T1000Z-240718T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
749 PM EDT Tue Jul 16 2024

...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, Strong south to north
  longshore current. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip
  currents expected.

* WHERE...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. 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...

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.

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.

&&

$$

SCZ056-180000-
/O.CAN.KILM.BH.S.0020.000000T0000Z-240717T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KILM.BH.S.0021.240717T1000Z-240718T0000Z/
Coastal Georgetown-
749 PM EDT Tue Jul 16 2024

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT WEDNESDAY
THROUGH WEDNESDAY 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 Wednesday through Wednesday 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.

&&

$$

SCZ054-180000-
/O.NEW.KILM.BH.S.0021.240717T1000Z-240718T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KILM.RP.S.0017.240717T1000Z-240718T0000Z/
Coastal Horry-
749 PM EDT Tue Jul 16 2024

...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, Strong south to north 
  longshore current. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip 
  currents expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Horry 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. It may 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.

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.

&&

$$

NCZ110-180000-
/O.NEW.KILM.RP.S.0017.240717T1000Z-240718T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
749 PM EDT Tue Jul 16 2024

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

* WHAT...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.

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

3 follow-up statements

450 
WHUS42 KILM 170840
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
440 AM EDT Wed Jul 17 2024

NCZ106-108-SCZ054-180000-
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0021.240717T1000Z-240718T0000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0017.240717T1000Z-240718T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Horry-
440 AM EDT Wed Jul 17 2024

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

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

* 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. 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...

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.

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.

&&

$$

SCZ056-180000-
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0021.240717T1000Z-240718T0000Z/
Coastal Georgetown-
440 AM EDT Wed Jul 17 2024

...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 expected.

* 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.

&&

$$

NCZ110-180000-
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0017.240717T1000Z-240718T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
440 AM EDT Wed Jul 17 2024

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

* WHAT...Dangerous rip 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.

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.

&&

$$

302 
WHUS42 KILM 171521
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
1121 AM EDT Wed Jul 17 2024

NCZ106-108-172330-
/O.CAN.KILM.RP.S.0017.000000T0000Z-240718T0000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0021.000000T0000Z-240718T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
1121 AM EDT Wed Jul 17 2024

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

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

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

* WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT 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.

&&

$$

SCZ054-171630-
/O.CAN.KILM.BH.S.0021.000000T0000Z-240718T0000Z/
/O.CAN.KILM.RP.S.0017.000000T0000Z-240718T0000Z/
Coastal Horry-
1121 AM EDT Wed Jul 17 2024

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IS CANCELLED...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IS CANCELLED...

A moderate risk of rip currents and a moderate longshore current
will still make for hazardous conditions in the surf zone.

$$

SCZ056-172330-
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0021.000000T0000Z-240718T0000Z/
Coastal Georgetown-
1121 AM EDT Wed Jul 17 2024

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

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

* WHERE...Coastal Georgetown County.

* WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT 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.

&&

$$

NCZ110-172330-
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0017.000000T0000Z-240718T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
1121 AM EDT Wed Jul 17 2024

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

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* 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.

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.

&&

$$

ABW

539 
WHUS42 KILM 172344
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
744 PM EDT Wed Jul 17 2024

NCZ106-108-SCZ056-180800-
/O.CAN.KILM.BH.S.0021.000000T0000Z-240718T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KILM.BH.S.0022.240718T1000Z-240719T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Georgetown-
744 PM EDT Wed Jul 17 2024

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

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

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

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

&&

$$

NCZ110-180800-
/O.CAN.KILM.RP.S.0017.000000T0000Z-240718T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KILM.RP.S.0018.240718T1000Z-240719T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
744 PM EDT Wed Jul 17 2024

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

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Brunswick County.

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

&&

$$

SCZ054-180800-
/O.NEW.KILM.RP.S.0018.240718T1000Z-240719T0000Z/
Coastal Horry-
744 PM EDT Wed Jul 17 2024

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

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected. A strong south to north
  longshore current is also expected. 

* WHERE...Coastal Horry County.

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

The office that day

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

Issued	Product	Office	Counties	Lasted
Jul 15, 8:11 PM EDT	Beach Hazards Statement	ILM	New Hanover, Pender	24 hr
Jul 16, 3:26 AM EDT	Excessive Heat Warning	ILM	Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Pender, Robeson	16 hr
Jul 16, 5:01 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	ILM	Columbus	29 min
Jul 16, 7:46 PM EDT	Heat Advisory	ILM	Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Pender, Robeson	24 hr
Jul 16, 7:49 PM EDT	Beach Hazards Statement	ILM	New Hanover, Pender	24 hr
Jul 16, 3:21 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	ILM	Marion	24 min
Jul 16, 3:47 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	ILM	Marion	28 min
Jul 16, 3:53 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	ILM	Dillon	37 min
Jul 16, 4:53 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	ILM	Marion	37 min
Jul 16, 5:06 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	ILM	Florence	24 min
Jul 16, 5:06 PM EDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	ILM	Florence, Marion	26 min
Jul 16, 5:17 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	ILM	Marion	28 min
Jul 16, 5:20 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	ILM	Williamsburg	25 min
Jul 16, 5:25 PM EDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	ILM	Florence, Williamsburg	31 min
Jul 16, 5:55 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	ILM	Marion	35 min
Jul 16, 5:59 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	ILM	Horry	31 min
Jul 16, 6:25 PM EDT	Areal Flood Advisory	ILM	Horry	71 min

Nearby

Rip Current Statements in North Carolina, 2024 Rip Current Statements in South Carolina, 2024 Every rip current statement in 2024

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.