Alert archive / North Carolina / Rip Current Statements in 2025

Rip Current Statement 21, NWS Wilmington, NC

August 24, 2025New Hanover County, Pender County, North Carolina

NWS Wilmington, NC issued this rip current statement at Aug 24, 2025, 10:28 AM EDT for New Hanover County, Pender County, North Carolina. It was in force for 10 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Aug 24, 2025, 10:28 AM EDT (14:28 UTC)
Expired
Aug 24, 2025, 8:00 PM EDT
In force
10 hr
Issued by
NWS Wilmington, NC

Counties New Hanover County, NC, Pender County, NC

The radar

The Wilmington radar (KLTX), 65 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 14:28 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, 2.5 hours before the alert went out and 103 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 2025-08-24Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 7 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 2025-08-24The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -5 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
7 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-80 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
813 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
21 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-5 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
33 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
-0.3

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

747 
WHUS42 KILM 241428
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
1028 AM EDT Sun Aug 24 2025

NCZ107-241800-
/O.CON.KILM.CF.Y.0054.000000T0000Z-250824T1800Z/
Inland New Hanover-
1028 AM EDT Sun Aug 24 2025

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM EDT THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Up to one foot of inundation above ground level in low- 
  lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways.

* WHERE...The lower Cape Fear River including downtown 
  Wilmington.

* WHEN...Until 2 PM EDT this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Portions of Battleship Road and USS North Carolina 
  Road observe minor coastal flooding up to one foot in depth. 
  In downtown Wilmington, sections of Water Street observe minor 
  flooding up to one half foot in depth. Check with local 
  officials for any road closures or impacts.

* 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 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 24/11 AM     6.1        1.4        1.4       N/A     Minor    
 25/12 AM     6.3        1.6        1.5       N/A     Minor    
 25/12 PM     5.9        1.2        1.2       N/A     Minor    
 26/12 AM     5.8        1.1        1.1       N/A     Minor    
 26/01 PM     5.8        1.1        1.2       N/A     Minor    
 27/01 AM     5.7        1.0        1.2       N/A     Minor

&&

$$

NCZ106-108-250000-
/O.NEW.KILM.RP.S.0021.250824T1428Z-250825T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
1028 AM EDT Sun Aug 24 2025

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

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents. In addition, strong north to
  south longshore current will be present.

* 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 and into deeper water. Reccommend to stay out of the
  water until conditions improve and adhere to any local ocean 
  rescue hoisted flags.

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.

&&

$$
dch
2 follow-up statements
997 
WHUS42 KILM 241729
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
129 PM EDT Sun Aug 24 2025

NCZ107-250000-
/O.CAN.KILM.CF.Y.0054.000000T0000Z-250824T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KILM.CF.Y.0055.250825T0100Z-250825T0700Z/
Inland New Hanover-
129 PM EDT Sun Aug 24 2025

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO
3 AM EDT MONDAY...

* WHAT...Up to one 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 9 PM this evening to 3 AM EDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...The lowest portions of Battleship Road and USS North 
  Carolina Road observe minor coastal flooding of about one foot 
  in depth. In downtown Wilmington, several blocks of Water 
  Street observe shallow flooding from one half to one foot in 
  depth. The low-lying areas along River Road and adjacent 
  residential roads, south of River Road Park, will begin to 
  flood. Route 133 at Little Mallory Creek may begin to flood. 
  Check with local officials for any road closures or impacts.

* 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 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 25/12 AM     6.3        1.6        1.5       N/A     Minor    
 25/12 PM     6.1        1.4        1.4       N/A     Minor    
 26/12 AM     5.9        1.2        1.2       N/A     Minor    
 26/01 PM     5.8        1.1        1.2       N/A     Minor    
 27/01 AM     5.7        1.0        1.2       N/A     Minor

&&

$$

NCZ106-108-250000-
/O.NEW.KILM.CF.Y.0055.250825T0000Z-250825T0300Z/
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0021.000000T0000Z-250825T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
129 PM EDT Sun Aug 24 2025

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM TO 11 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents. 
  For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to one half foot of 
  inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near 
  shorelines and tidal waterways.

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

* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, until 8 PM EDT this 
  evening. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 8 PM to 11 PM 
  EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Low-lying roads and locations along the Intracoastal 
  Waterway and adjacent tidal creeks may observe minor coastal 
  flooding. Check with local officials for any road closures or 
  impacts. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

* 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.

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.

&&

Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.

Mercer Pier at Wrightsville Beach
MLLW Categories - Minor 6.0 ft, Moderate 8.0 ft, Major 10.0 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 1.5 ft, Moderate 3.5 ft, Major 5.5 ft

             Total      Total    Departure                   
 Day/Time    Tide       Tide     from Norm   Waves    Flood  
            ft MLLW    ft MHHW       ft       ft      Impact 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 24/09 PM     6.1        1.6        1.3        3      Minor    
 25/09 AM     5.8        1.3        1.2        2       None    
 25/10 PM     5.5        1.0        1.0        2       None    
 26/10 AM     5.5        1.0        1.0        2       None    
 26/10 PM     5.4        0.9        1.2        2       None    
 27/11 AM     5.7        1.2        1.2        2       None

&&

$$

NCZ110-250000-
/O.NEW.KILM.CF.Y.0055.250825T0000Z-250825T0300Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
129 PM EDT Sun Aug 24 2025

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM TO 11 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...Coastal Brunswick County.

* WHEN...From 8 PM to 11 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Low-lying roads and locations along the Intracoastal 
  Waterway and adjacent tidal creeks may observe minor coastal 
  flooding. Check with local officials for any road closures or 
  impacts.

* 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.

Mercer Pier at Wrightsville Beach
MLLW Categories - Minor 6.0 ft, Moderate 8.0 ft, Major 10.0 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 1.5 ft, Moderate 3.5 ft, Major 5.5 ft

             Total      Total    Departure                   
 Day/Time    Tide       Tide     from Norm   Waves    Flood  
            ft MLLW    ft MHHW       ft       ft      Impact 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 24/09 PM     6.1        1.6        1.3        3      Minor    
 25/09 AM     5.8        1.3        1.2        2       None    
 25/10 PM     5.5        1.0        1.0        2       None    
 26/10 AM     5.5        1.0        1.0        2       None    
 26/10 PM     5.4        0.9        1.2        2       None    
 27/11 AM     5.7        1.2        1.2        2       None

&&

$$

SCZ054-056-250000-
/O.NEW.KILM.CF.Y.0055.250825T0000Z-250825T0300Z/
Coastal Horry-Coastal Georgetown-
129 PM EDT Sun Aug 24 2025

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM TO 11 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...Coastal Horry and Coastal Georgetown Counties.

* WHEN...From 8 PM to 11 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Vulnerable causeways to and from local beaches may 
  experience minor coastal flooding. Low-lying roads and 
  locations along the Intracoastal Waterway and adjacent tidal 
  creeks may observe minor coastal flooding. Check with local 
  officials for the latest information regarding coastal flood 
  impacts and closures.

* 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.

Springmaid Pier at Myrtle Beach
MLLW Categories - Minor 7.0 ft, Moderate 8.5 ft, Major 10.5 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 1.4 ft, Moderate 2.9 ft, Major 4.9 ft

             Total      Total    Departure                   
 Day/Time    Tide       Tide     from Norm   Waves    Flood  
            ft MLLW    ft MHHW       ft       ft      Impact 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 24/09 PM     7.3        1.7        1.5        2      Minor    
 25/10 AM     6.7        1.1        1.3       1-2      None    
 25/10 PM     6.7        1.1        1.2        2       None    
 26/10 AM     6.6        1.0        1.2       1-2      None    
 26/10 PM     6.3        0.7        1.2        1       None    
 27/11 AM     6.7        1.1        1.4        2       None

&&

$$

19
472 
WHUS42 KILM 242334
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
734 PM EDT Sun Aug 24 2025

NCZ106-108-250300-
/O.EXP.KILM.RP.S.0021.000000T0000Z-250825T0000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.CF.Y.0055.250825T0000Z-250825T0300Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
734 PM EDT Sun Aug 24 2025

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK WILL EXPIRE AT 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...Coastal Pender and Coastal New Hanover Counties.

* WHEN...Until 11 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Low-lying roads and locations along the Intracoastal 
  Waterway and adjacent tidal creeks may observe minor coastal 
  flooding. Check with local officials for any road closures or 
  impacts.

* 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.

Mercer Pier at Wrightsville Beach
MLLW Categories - Minor 6.0 ft, Moderate 8.0 ft, Major 10.0 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 1.5 ft, Moderate 3.5 ft, Major 5.5 ft

             Total      Total    Departure                   
 Day/Time    Tide       Tide     from Norm   Waves    Flood  
            ft MLLW    ft MHHW       ft       ft      Impact 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 24/09 PM     6.1        1.6        1.3        3      Minor    
 25/09 AM     5.8        1.3        1.2        2       None    
 25/10 PM     5.5        1.0        1.0        2       None    
 26/10 AM     5.5        1.0        1.0        2       None    
 26/10 PM     5.4        0.9        1.2        2       None    
 27/11 AM     5.7        1.2        1.2        2       None

&&

$$

NCZ107-250700-
/O.CON.KILM.CF.Y.0055.250825T0100Z-250825T0700Z/
Inland New Hanover-
734 PM EDT Sun Aug 24 2025

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM EDT
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Up to one 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...Until 3 AM EDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...The lowest portions of Battleship Road and USS North 
  Carolina Road observe minor coastal flooding of about one foot 
  in depth. In downtown Wilmington, several blocks of Water 
  Street observe shallow flooding from one half to one foot in 
  depth. The low-lying areas along River Road and adjacent 
  residential roads, south of River Road Park, will begin to 
  flood. Route 133 at Little Mallory Creek may begin to flood. 
  Check with local officials for any road closures or impacts.

* 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 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 25/12 AM     6.3        1.6        1.5       N/A     Minor    
 25/12 PM     6.1        1.4        1.4       N/A     Minor    
 26/12 AM     5.9        1.2        1.2       N/A     Minor    
 26/01 PM     5.8        1.1        1.2       N/A     Minor    
 27/01 AM     5.7        1.0        1.2       N/A     Minor    
 27/01 PM     5.9        1.2        1.3       N/A     Minor

&&

$$

NCZ110-250300-
/O.CON.KILM.CF.Y.0055.250825T0000Z-250825T0300Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
734 PM EDT Sun Aug 24 2025

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 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...Coastal Brunswick County.

* WHEN...Until 11 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Low-lying roads and locations along the Intracoastal 
  Waterway and adjacent tidal creeks may observe minor coastal 
  flooding. Check with local officials for any road closures or 
  impacts.

* 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.

Mercer Pier at Wrightsville Beach
MLLW Categories - Minor 6.0 ft, Moderate 8.0 ft, Major 10.0 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 1.5 ft, Moderate 3.5 ft, Major 5.5 ft

             Total      Total    Departure                   
 Day/Time    Tide       Tide     from Norm   Waves    Flood  
            ft MLLW    ft MHHW       ft       ft      Impact 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 24/09 PM     6.1        1.6        1.3        3      Minor    
 25/09 AM     5.8        1.3        1.2        2       None    
 25/10 PM     5.5        1.0        1.0        2       None    
 26/10 AM     5.5        1.0        1.0        2       None    
 26/10 PM     5.4        0.9        1.2        2       None    
 27/11 AM     5.7        1.2        1.2        2       None

&&

$$

SCZ054-056-250300-
/O.CON.KILM.CF.Y.0055.250825T0000Z-250825T0300Z/
Coastal Horry-Coastal Georgetown-
734 PM EDT Sun Aug 24 2025

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 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...Coastal Horry and Coastal Georgetown Counties.

* WHEN...Until 11 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Vulnerable causeways to and from local beaches may 
  experience minor coastal flooding. Low-lying roads and 
  locations along the Intracoastal Waterway and adjacent tidal 
  creeks may observe minor coastal flooding. Check with local 
  officials for the latest information regarding coastal flood 
  impacts and closures.

* 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.

Springmaid Pier at Myrtle Beach
MLLW Categories - Minor 7.0 ft, Moderate 8.5 ft, Major 10.5 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 1.4 ft, Moderate 2.9 ft, Major 4.9 ft

             Total      Total    Departure                   
 Day/Time    Tide       Tide     from Norm   Waves    Flood  
            ft MLLW    ft MHHW       ft       ft      Impact 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 24/09 PM     7.3        1.7        1.5        2      Minor    
 25/10 AM     6.7        1.1        1.3       1-2      None    
 25/10 PM     6.7        1.1        1.2        2       None    
 26/10 AM     6.6        1.0        1.2       1-2      None    
 26/10 PM     6.3        0.7        1.2        1       None    
 27/11 AM     6.7        1.1        1.4        2       None

&&

$$

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 24, 2:21 AM EDTCoastal Flood AdvisoryILMBrunswick, New Hanover, Pender11 hr
Aug 24, 1:29 PM EDTCoastal Flood AdvisoryILMBrunswick, New Hanover, Pender12 hr

Nearby

Rip Current Statements in North 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.