Alert archive / North Carolina / Rip Current Statements in 2025
Rip Current Statement 17, NWS Wilmington, NC
NWS Wilmington, NC issued this rip current statement at Aug 17, 2025, 8:22 PM EDT for New Hanover County, Pender County, North Carolina; Georgetown County, Horry County, South Carolina. It took effect at Aug 18, 2025, 6:00 AM EDT. It was in force for .
The area
The counties it named.
The facts
- Issued
- Aug 17, 2025, 8:22 PM EDT (00:22 UTC)
- In effect from
- Aug 18, 2025, 6:00 AM EDT
- Expired
- Aug 18, 2025, 4:04 AM EDT
- In force
- Issued by
- NWS Wilmington, NC
Counties New Hanover County, NC, Pender County, NC, Georgetown County, SC, Horry County, SC
The radar
The Wilmington radar (KLTX), 7 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 00:23 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, 0.4 hours before the alert went out and 172 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.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 425 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -24 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1035 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 12 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 21 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 41 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
615 WHUS42 KILM 180022 CFWILM Coastal Hazard Message National Weather Service Wilmington NC 822 PM EDT Sun Aug 17 2025 NCZ106-108-SCZ054-056-180900- /O.NEW.KILM.RP.S.0017.250818T1000Z-250819T0000Z/ Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Horry- Coastal Georgetown- 822 PM EDT Sun Aug 17 2025 ...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT MONDAY THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected. * WHERE...In North Carolina, Coastal Pender and Coastal New Hanover Counties. In South Carolina, Coastal Horry and Coastal Georgetown Counties. * WHEN...From 6 AM EDT Monday through Monday 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. && $$ IGB
3 follow-up statements
751
WHUS42 KILM 180555
CFWILM
Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
155 AM EDT Mon Aug 18 2025
NCZ107-181400-
/O.NEW.KILM.CF.Y.0047.250818T2000Z-250819T0000Z/
Inland New Hanover-
155 AM EDT Mon Aug 18 2025
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
8 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level
expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal
waterways.
* WHERE...The lower Cape Fear River including downtown
Wilmington.
* WHEN...From 4 PM this afternoon to 8 PM EDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Portions of Battleship Road and USS North Carolina
Road observe minor coastal flooding up to one half foot in
depth. In downtown Wilmington, a block of Water Street
observes minor flooding up to one quarter foot in depth.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Affected areas listed are based on
average tide conditions. Additional locations may experience
flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, high winds, or
other factors.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be
closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of
unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.
&&
Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.
Cape Fear River at Wilmington
MLLW Categories - Minor 5.5 ft, Moderate 6.8 ft, Major 10.0 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 0.8 ft, Moderate 2.1 ft, Major 5.3 ft
Total Total Departure
Day/Time Tide Tide from Norm Waves Flood
ft MLLW ft MHHW ft ft Impact
-------- --------- --------- --------- ------- --------
18/05 AM 5.1 0.4 1.0 N/A None
18/06 PM 5.9 1.2 0.9 N/A Minor
19/06 AM 5.0 0.3 0.9 N/A None
19/07 PM 6.0 1.3 1.0 N/A Minor
20/07 AM 5.4 0.7 1.2 N/A None
20/08 PM 6.4 1.7 1.4 N/A Minor
&&
$$
NCZ106-108-SCZ054-056-181400-
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0017.250818T1000Z-250819T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Horry-
Coastal Georgetown-
155 AM EDT Mon Aug 18 2025
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT THIS
MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.
* WHERE...In North Carolina, Coastal Pender and Coastal New
Hanover Counties. In South Carolina, Coastal Horry and Coastal
Georgetown Counties.
* WHEN...From 6 AM EDT this morning 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.
&&
$$
21684
WHUS42 KILM 180736
CFWILM
Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
336 AM EDT Mon Aug 18 2025
NCZ106-108-190000-
/O.NEW.KILM.SU.Y.0007.250819T0900Z-250822T0300Z/
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0017.250818T1000Z-250819T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
336 AM EDT Mon Aug 18 2025
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TUESDAY TO 11 PM EDT
THURSDAY...
* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents
expected. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 8
to 11 feet expected in the surf zone.
* WHERE...Coastal Pender and Coastal New Hanover Counties.
* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, through this evening.
For the High Surf Advisory, from 5 AM Tuesday to 11 PM EDT
Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and
localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best
swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Moderate to strong north-to-south longshore
currents are likely.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to
dangerous surf conditions.
Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.
&&
$$
NCZ107-190000-
/O.CON.KILM.CF.Y.0047.250818T2000Z-250819T0000Z/
Inland New Hanover-
336 AM EDT Mon Aug 18 2025
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level
expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal
waterways.
* WHERE...The lower Cape Fear River including downtown
Wilmington.
* WHEN...From 4 PM this afternoon to 8 PM EDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Portions of Battleship Road and USS North Carolina
Road observe minor coastal flooding up to one half foot in
depth. In downtown Wilmington, a block of Water Street
observes minor flooding up to one quarter foot in depth.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Affected areas listed are based on
average tide conditions. Additional locations may experience
flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, high winds, or
other factors.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be
closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of
unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.
&&
Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.
Cape Fear River at Wilmington
MLLW Categories - Minor 5.5 ft, Moderate 6.8 ft, Major 10.0 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 0.8 ft, Moderate 2.1 ft, Major 5.3 ft
Total Total Departure
Day/Time Tide Tide from Norm Waves Flood
ft MLLW ft MHHW ft ft Impact
-------- --------- --------- --------- ------- --------
18/05 AM 5.1 0.4 1.0 N/A None
18/06 PM 5.9 1.2 0.9 N/A Minor
19/06 AM 5.0 0.3 0.9 N/A None
19/07 PM 6.0 1.3 1.0 N/A Minor
20/07 AM 5.4 0.7 1.2 N/A None
20/08 PM 6.4 1.7 1.4 N/A Minor
&&
$$
SCZ054-056-190000-
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0017.250818T1000Z-250819T0000Z/
Coastal Horry-Coastal Georgetown-
336 AM EDT Mon Aug 18 2025
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.
* WHERE...Coastal Horry and Coastal Georgetown Counties.
* WHEN...Through this evening.
* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
from shore into deeper water.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.
&&
$$
ABW162
WHUS42 KILM 180804
CFWILM
Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
404 AM EDT Mon Aug 18 2025
NCZ106-108-190000-
/O.CAN.KILM.RP.S.0017.250818T1000Z-250819T0000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.SU.Y.0007.250819T0900Z-250822T0300Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
404 AM EDT Mon Aug 18 2025
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TUESDAY TO
11 PM EDT THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Large breaking waves of 8 to 11 feet expected in the
surf zone.
* WHERE...Coastal Pender and Coastal New Hanover Counties.
* WHEN...From 5 AM Tuesday to 11 PM EDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and
localized beach erosion.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Moderate to strong north-to-south longshore
currents are likely.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to
dangerous surf conditions.
&&
$$
SCZ054-056-180915-
/O.CAN.KILM.RP.S.0017.250818T1000Z-250819T0000Z/
Coastal Horry-Coastal Georgetown-
404 AM EDT Mon Aug 18 2025
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IS CANCELLED...
Conditions are expected to support a moderate rip current risk
today, with the rip current threat ramping up tonight.
$$
NCZ107-190000-
/O.CON.KILM.CF.Y.0047.250818T2000Z-250819T0000Z/
Inland New Hanover-
404 AM EDT Mon Aug 18 2025
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS
AFTERNOON TO 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level
expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal
waterways.
* WHERE...The lower Cape Fear River including downtown
Wilmington.
* WHEN...From 4 PM this afternoon to 8 PM EDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Portions of Battleship Road and USS North Carolina
Road observe minor coastal flooding up to one half foot in
depth. In downtown Wilmington, a block of Water Street
observes minor flooding up to one quarter foot in depth.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Affected areas listed are based on
average tide conditions. Additional locations may experience
flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, high winds, or
other factors.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be
closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of
unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.
&&
Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.
Cape Fear River at Wilmington
MLLW Categories - Minor 5.5 ft, Moderate 6.8 ft, Major 10.0 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 0.8 ft, Moderate 2.1 ft, Major 5.3 ft
Total Total Departure
Day/Time Tide Tide from Norm Waves Flood
ft MLLW ft MHHW ft ft Impact
-------- --------- --------- --------- ------- --------
18/05 AM 5.1 0.4 1.0 N/A None
18/06 PM 5.9 1.2 0.9 N/A Minor
19/06 AM 5.0 0.3 0.9 N/A None
19/07 PM 6.0 1.3 1.0 N/A Minor
20/07 AM 5.4 0.7 1.2 N/A None
20/08 PM 6.4 1.7 1.4 N/A Minor
&&
$$
ABWThe office that day
Everything else NWS Wilmington, NC issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 18, 1:55 AM EDT | Coastal Flood Advisory | ILM | New Hanover | 18 hr |
| Aug 18, 3:36 AM EDT | High Surf Advisory | ILM | Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender | 3 days |
| Aug 18, 6:59 PM EDT | Areal Flood Advisory | ILM | Robeson | 2 hr |
| Aug 18, 7:58 PM EDT | Coastal Flood Advisory | ILM | New Hanover | 26 hr |
| Aug 18, 7:58 PM EDT | Rip Current Statement | ILM | Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender | 72 hr |
| Aug 18, 3:51 PM EDT | Areal Flood Advisory | ILM | Marlboro | 3 hr |
| Aug 18, 5:41 PM EDT | Special Weather Statement | ILM | Marion | 34 min |
Nearby
Rip Current Statements in North Carolina, 2025Rip Current Statements in South Carolina, 2025Every rip current statement in 2025
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.