Alert archive / North Carolina / Rip Current Statements in 2025

Rip Current Statement 41, NWS Wilmington, NC

October 12, 2025New Hanover County, Pender County, North Carolina

NWS Wilmington, NC issued this rip current statement at Oct 12, 2025, 7:47 PM EDT for New Hanover County, Pender County, North Carolina. It took effect at Oct 13, 2025, 6:00 AM EDT. It was in force for 14 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Oct 12, 2025, 7:47 PM EDT (23:47 UTC)
In effect from
Oct 13, 2025, 6:00 AM EDT
Expired
Oct 13, 2025, 8:00 PM EDT
In force
14 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 23:51 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 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 2025-10-12Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 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 2025-10-12The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 300 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 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
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
642 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
30 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
300 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
569 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.5

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

908 
WHUS42 KILM 122347
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
747 PM EDT Sun Oct 12 2025

NCZ106-108-131000-
/O.CAN.KILM.SU.Y.0009.000000T0000Z-251013T0000Z/
/O.CAN.KILM.RP.S.0040.000000T0000Z-251013T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KILM.RP.S.0041.251013T1000Z-251014T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
747 PM EDT Sun Oct 12 2025

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT MONDAY THROUGH
MONDAY EVENING...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.

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

&&

$$

SCZ054-056-130100-
/O.CAN.KILM.RP.S.0040.000000T0000Z-251013T0000Z/
Coastal Horry-Coastal Georgetown-
747 PM EDT Sun Oct 12 2025

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IS CANCELLED...

Breaking wave heights are lower than six feet.

$$
5 follow-up statements
884 
WHUS42 KILM 130534
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
134 AM EDT Mon Oct 13 2025

NCZ106-108-132000-
/O.NEW.KILM.CF.Y.0087.251013T1600Z-251013T2000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0041.251013T1000Z-251014T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
134 AM EDT Mon Oct 13 2025

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT THIS
MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 4 PM EDT
THIS AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents and
  strong north to south longshore current expected. 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, from 6 AM EDT this 
  morning through this evening. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, 
  from noon today to 4 PM EDT this afternoon.

* 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 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 13/01 AM     5.2        0.7        1.2        4       None    
 13/01 PM     6.2        1.7        1.2       3-4     Minor    
 14/02 AM     5.3        0.8        1.3        3       None    
 14/02 PM     5.8        1.3        1.0        3       None    
 15/03 AM     5.5        1.0        1.5        3       None    
 15/03 PM     6.2        1.7        1.6        3      Minor

&&

$$

NCZ107-132000-
/O.NEW.KILM.CF.Y.0087.251013T1900Z-251013T2200Z/
Inland New Hanover-
134 AM EDT Mon Oct 13 2025

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
6 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 3 PM this afternoon to 6 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...The lowest portions of USS North Carolina Road and 
  Battleship Road begin to observe minor coastal flooding. Water 
  begins to spread out of storm drains onto Water Street just 
  south of Market Street in downtown Wilmington.

* 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 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 13/03 AM     4.8        0.1        0.4       N/A      None    
 13/04 PM     5.6        0.9        0.6       N/A     Minor    
 14/04 AM     4.8        0.1        0.4       N/A      None    
 14/05 PM     5.2        0.5        0.2       N/A      None    
 15/05 AM     4.9        0.2        0.4       N/A      None    
 15/06 PM     5.5        0.8        0.6       N/A     Minor

&&

$$

NCZ110-132000-
/O.NEW.KILM.CF.Y.0087.251013T1600Z-251013T2000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
134 AM EDT Mon Oct 13 2025

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 4 PM EDT
THIS AFTERNOON...

* 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 noon today to 4 PM EDT this afternoon.

* 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 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 13/01 AM     5.2        0.7        1.2        4       None    
 13/01 PM     6.2        1.7        1.2       3-4     Minor    
 14/02 AM     5.3        0.8        1.3        3       None    
 14/02 PM     5.8        1.3        1.0        3       None    
 15/03 AM     5.5        1.0        1.5        3       None    
 15/03 PM     6.2        1.7        1.6        3      Minor

&&

$$

21
612 
WHUS42 KILM 131703
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
103 PM EDT Mon Oct 13 2025

NCZ106-108-132000-
/O.CON.KILM.CF.Y.0087.000000T0000Z-251013T2000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0041.000000T0000Z-251014T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
103 PM EDT Mon Oct 13 2025

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EDT THIS
AFTERNOON...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

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

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

* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 4 PM EDT this 
  afternoon. For the High Rip Current Risk, until 8 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 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 13/01 PM     6.2        1.7        1.2        4      Minor    
 14/01 AM     5.4        0.9        1.6        3       None    
 14/02 PM     5.9        1.4        1.1        3       None    
 15/03 AM     5.4        0.9        1.4        3       None    
 15/03 PM     6.2        1.7        1.6        3      Minor    
 16/03 AM     5.7        1.2        1.7        3       None

&&

$$

NCZ107-132000-
/O.CON.KILM.CF.Y.0087.251013T1900Z-251013T2200Z/
Inland New Hanover-
103 PM EDT Mon Oct 13 2025

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 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...Until 6 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...The lowest portions of USS North Carolina Road and 
  Battleship Road begin to observe minor coastal flooding. Water 
  begins to spread out of storm drains onto Water Street just 
  south of Market Street in downtown Wilmington.

* 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 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 13/04 PM     5.6        0.9        0.6       N/A     Minor    
 14/04 AM     5.0        0.3        0.6       N/A      None    
 14/05 PM     5.5        0.8        0.5       N/A     Minor    
 15/05 AM     5.1        0.4        0.6       N/A      None    
 15/06 PM     5.5        0.8        0.6       N/A     Minor    
 16/06 AM     5.2        0.5        0.6       N/A      None

&&

$$

NCZ110-132000-
/O.CON.KILM.CF.Y.0087.000000T0000Z-251013T2000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
103 PM EDT Mon Oct 13 2025

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EDT THIS
AFTERNOON...

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

* WHERE...Coastal Brunswick County.

* WHEN...Until 4 PM EDT this afternoon.

* 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 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 13/01 PM     6.2        1.7        1.2        4      Minor    
 14/01 AM     5.4        0.9        1.6        3       None    
 14/02 PM     5.9        1.4        1.1        3       None    
 15/03 AM     5.4        0.9        1.4        3       None    
 15/03 PM     6.2        1.7        1.6        3      Minor    
 16/03 AM     5.7        1.2        1.7        3       None

&&

$$
199 
WHUS42 KILM 131931
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
331 PM EDT Mon Oct 13 2025

NCZ106-108-132200-
/O.CAN.KILM.CF.Y.0087.000000T0000Z-251013T2000Z/
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0041.000000T0000Z-251014T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
331 PM EDT Mon Oct 13 2025

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...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.

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.

&&

$$

NCZ110-132045-
/O.CAN.KILM.CF.Y.0087.000000T0000Z-251013T2000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
331 PM EDT Mon Oct 13 2025

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

Water levels have dropped below minor flooding.

$$

NCZ107-132200-
/O.CON.KILM.CF.Y.0087.000000T0000Z-251013T2200Z/
Inland New Hanover-
331 PM EDT Mon Oct 13 2025

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Up to one half 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 6 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...The lowest portions of USS North Carolina Road and 
  Battleship Road begin to observe minor coastal flooding. Water 
  begins to spread out of storm drains onto Water Street just 
  south of Market Street in downtown Wilmington.

* 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 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 13/04 PM     5.6        0.9        0.6       N/A     Minor    
 14/04 AM     5.0        0.3        0.6       N/A      None    
 14/05 PM     5.5        0.8        0.5       N/A     Minor    
 15/05 AM     5.1        0.4        0.6       N/A      None    
 15/06 PM     5.5        0.8        0.6       N/A     Minor    
 16/06 AM     5.2        0.5        0.6       N/A      None

&&

$$
427 
WHUS42 KILM 132045
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
445 PM EDT Mon Oct 13 2025

NCZ107-132145-
/O.CAN.KILM.CF.Y.0087.000000T0000Z-251013T2200Z/
Inland New Hanover-
445 PM EDT Mon Oct 13 2025

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

$$

NCZ106-108-140000-
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0041.000000T0000Z-251014T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
445 PM EDT Mon Oct 13 2025

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

* WHAT...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.

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.

&&

$$
894 
WHUS42 KILM 140000
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
800 PM EDT Mon Oct 13 2025

NCZ106-108-140100-
/O.EXP.KILM.RP.S.0041.000000T0000Z-251014T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
800 PM EDT Mon Oct 13 2025

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK HAS EXPIRED...

There will be a Moderate Rip Current Risk for New Hanover and
Pender counties for Tuesday. 

$$

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Oct 12, 1:51 AM EDTCoastal Flood AdvisoryILMBrunswick, New Hanover, Pender15 hr
Oct 12, 11:03 AM EDTGale WarningILM5 hr
Oct 12, 11:03 AM EDTSmall Craft AdvisoryILM36 hr
Oct 12, 2:18 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryILMColumbus2 hr
Oct 12, 2:56 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningILMColumbus3 hr
Oct 12, 4:00 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryILMColumbus, Robeson3 hr
Oct 12, 5:59 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningILMColumbus, Robeson5 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.