Alert archive / North Carolina / Rip Current Statements in 2024

Rip Current Statement 18, NWS Wilmington, NC

July 17, 2024Brunswick County, North Carolina; Horry County, South Carolina

NWS Wilmington, NC issued this rip current statement at Jul 17, 2024, 7:44 PM EDT for Brunswick County, North Carolina; Horry County, South Carolina. It took effect at Jul 18, 2024, 6:00 AM EDT. It was in force for 14 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Jul 17, 2024, 7:44 PM EDT (23:44 UTC)
In effect from
Jul 18, 2024, 6:00 AM EDT
Expired
Jul 18, 2024, 8:00 PM EDT
In force
14 hr
Issued by
NWS Wilmington, NC

Counties Brunswick County, NC, Horry County, SC

The radar

The Wilmington radar (KLTX), 16 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 23:43 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

Charleston AFB, SC (KCHS), launched 12:00Z, 11.7 hours before the alert went out and 176 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, Charleston AFB, SC at 12:00Z on 2024-07-17Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 1331 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, Charleston AFB, SC at 12:00Z on 2024-07-17The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -71 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
1331 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-39 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
983 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
9 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-71 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
-60 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

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
3 follow-up statements
180 
WHUS42 KILM 180835
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
435 AM EDT Thu Jul 18 2024

NCZ106-108-SCZ056-190000-
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0022.240718T1000Z-240719T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Georgetown-
435 AM EDT Thu Jul 18 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...In North Carolina, Coastal Pender and Coastal New 
  Hanover Counties. In South Carolina, 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-SCZ054-190000-
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0018.240718T1000Z-240719T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-Coastal Horry-
435 AM EDT Thu Jul 18 2024

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

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.

* WHERE...In North Carolina, Coastal Brunswick County. 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.

&&

$$
558 
WHUS42 KILM 181500
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
1100 AM EDT Thu Jul 18 2024

NCZ106-108-SCZ056-190000-
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0022.000000T0000Z-240719T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Georgetown-
1100 AM EDT Thu Jul 18 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...In North Carolina, Coastal Pender and Coastal New 
  Hanover Counties. In South Carolina, 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-SCZ054-190000-
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0018.000000T0000Z-240719T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-Coastal Horry-
1100 AM EDT Thu Jul 18 2024

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

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents. There is also a strong south to 
  north longshore current for Horry County beaches.

* WHERE...In North Carolina, Coastal Brunswick County. In South 
  Carolina, Coastal Horry 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.

&&

$$

LEW
638 
WHUS42 KILM 182347
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
747 PM EDT Thu Jul 18 2024

NCZ106-108-SCZ056-190100-
/O.EXP.KILM.BH.S.0022.000000T0000Z-240719T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Georgetown-
747 PM EDT Thu Jul 18 2024

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

$$

NCZ110-SCZ054-190100-
/O.EXP.KILM.RP.S.0018.000000T0000Z-240719T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-Coastal Horry-
747 PM EDT Thu Jul 18 2024

...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
Jul 17, 3:12 AM EDTSmall Craft AdvisoryILM29 hr
Jul 17, 7:47 AM EDTSpecial Marine WarningILM43 min
Jul 17, 8:39 AM EDTSpecial Marine WarningILM51 min
Jul 17, 9:36 AM EDTSpecial Marine WarningILM43 min
Jul 17, 10:35 AM EDTSpecial Marine WarningILM31 min
Jul 17, 11:09 AM EDTSpecial Marine WarningILM66 min
Jul 17, 7:44 PM EDTBeach Hazards StatementILMNew Hanover, Pender24 hr
Jul 17, 4:58 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementILMHorry32 min
Jul 17, 5:03 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningILMGeorgetown, Horry, Marion27 min
Jul 17, 6:43 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementILMDarlington47 min
Jul 17, 7:14 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementILMDarlington31 min
Jul 17, 7:53 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementILMFlorence37 min

Nearby

Rip Current Statements in North Carolina, 2024Rip Current Statements in South Carolina, 2024Every 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.