Alert archive / North Carolina / Rip Current Statements in 2024

Rip Current Statement 5, NWS Wilmington, NC

April 12, 2024Brunswick County, New Hanover County, Pender County, North Carolina; Horry County, South Carolina

NWS Wilmington, NC issued this rip current statement at Apr 12, 2024, 4:35 AM EDT for Brunswick County, New Hanover County, Pender County, North Carolina; Horry County, South Carolina. It took effect at Apr 12, 2024, 6:00 AM EDT. It was in force for 14 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Apr 12, 2024, 4:35 AM EDT (08:35 UTC)
In effect from
Apr 12, 2024, 6:00 AM EDT
Expired
Apr 12, 2024, 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 08:35 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, 8.6 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 00:00Z on 2024-04-12Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 134 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 2024-04-12The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 390 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 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
134 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-46 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
450 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
73 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
390 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
477 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
1.7

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

102 
WHUS42 KILM 120835
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
435 AM EDT Fri Apr 12 2024

NCZ110-SCZ054-121645-
/O.NEW.KILM.RP.S.0005.240412T1000Z-240413T0000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.SU.Y.0004.000000T0000Z-240412T1500Z/
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0005.240412T1000Z-240413T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-Coastal Horry-
435 AM EDT Fri Apr 12 2024

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM EDT THIS
MORNING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...
...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 4 to
  8 feet in the surf zone. For the High Rip Current Risk,
  dangerous rip currents expected. For the Beach Hazards
  Statement, Strong W to E longshore current for Brunswick Beaches
  and strong S to N longshore current for Horry Beaches expected.

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

* WHEN...For the High Surf Advisory, until 11 AM EDT this 
  morning. For the High Rip Current Risk, through this evening. 
  For the Beach Hazards Statement, through 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. 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...

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.

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.

&&

$$

NCZ106-108-121645-
/O.NEW.KILM.RP.S.0005.240412T1000Z-240413T0000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0005.240412T1000Z-240413T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
435 AM EDT Fri Apr 12 2024

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

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents
  expected. For the Beach Hazards Statement, Strong S to N
  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 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.

&&

$$
dch
3 follow-up statements
466 
WHUS42 KILM 121457
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
1057 AM EDT Fri Apr 12 2024

NCZ110-SCZ054-122300-
/O.EXP.KILM.SU.Y.0004.000000T0000Z-240412T1500Z/
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0005.000000T0000Z-240413T0000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0005.000000T0000Z-240413T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-Coastal Horry-
1057 AM EDT Fri Apr 12 2024

...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, Strong S to N longshore
  current. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents.

* 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. 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.

&&

$$

NCZ106-108-122300-
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0005.000000T0000Z-240413T0000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0005.000000T0000Z-240413T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
1057 AM EDT Fri Apr 12 2024

...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, Strong S to N longshore
  current. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...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. 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.

&&

$$
203 
WHUS42 KILM 122258
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
658 PM EDT Fri Apr 12 2024

NCZ110-130700-
/O.NEW.KILM.BH.S.0006.240413T1000Z-240414T0000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0005.000000T0000Z-240413T0000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0005.000000T0000Z-240413T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
658 PM EDT Fri Apr 12 2024

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

* WHAT...For the first Beach Hazards Statement, Strong S to N
  longshore current. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip 
  currents. For the second Beach Hazards Statement, Strong W to E 
  longshore current. There is also a Moderate Risk of rip currents
  expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Brunswick County.

* WHEN...For the first Beach Hazards Statement, until 8 PM EDT 
  this evening. For the second Beach Hazards Statement, from 6 
  AM EDT Saturday through Saturday 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.

&&

$$

NCZ106-108-SCZ054-130000-
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0005.000000T0000Z-240413T0000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0005.000000T0000Z-240413T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Horry-
658 PM EDT Fri Apr 12 2024

...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, Strong N to S longshore
  current. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents.

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

&&

$$

LEW
325 
WHUS42 KILM 122346
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
746 PM EDT Fri Apr 12 2024

NCZ110-130900-
/O.EXP.KILM.BH.S.0005.000000T0000Z-240413T0000Z/
/O.EXP.KILM.RP.S.0005.000000T0000Z-240413T0000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0006.240413T1000Z-240414T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
746 PM EDT Fri Apr 12 2024

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT
SATURDAY THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING...
...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT WILL EXPIRE AT 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK WILL EXPIRE AT 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

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

* WHERE...Coastal Brunswick County.

* WHEN...From 6 AM EDT Saturday through Saturday 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-SCZ054-130100-
/O.EXP.KILM.BH.S.0005.000000T0000Z-240413T0000Z/
/O.EXP.KILM.RP.S.0005.000000T0000Z-240413T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Horry-
746 PM EDT Fri Apr 12 2024

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

$$

LEW

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Apr 11, 11:29 PM EDTSmall Craft AdvisoryILM37 hr
Apr 12, 6:05 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementILMRobeson55 min
Apr 12, 6:18 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningILMBladen, Robeson57 min
Apr 12, 6:58 PM EDTBeach Hazards StatementILMBrunswick25 hr
Apr 12, 7:06 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningILMBladen37 min
Apr 12, 7:42 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementILMPender33 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.