Alert archive / North Carolina / Rip Current Statements in 2025
Rip Current Statement 44, NWS Wilmington, NC
NWS Wilmington, NC issued this rip current statement at Oct 28, 2025, 7:35 PM EDT for New Hanover County, Pender County, North Carolina. It took effect at Oct 29, 2025, 6:00 AM EDT. It was in force for 14 hr.
The area
The counties it named.
The facts
- Issued
- Oct 28, 2025, 7:35 PM EDT (23:35 UTC)
- In effect from
- Oct 29, 2025, 6:00 AM EDT
- Expired
- Oct 29, 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 23:35 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 12:00Z, 11.6 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.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 0 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- No buoyant parcel
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 557 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 32 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 155 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 400 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
267 WHUS42 KILM 282335 CFWILM Coastal Hazard Message National Weather Service Wilmington NC 735 PM EDT Tue Oct 28 2025 NCZ106-108-290900- /O.EXP.KILM.RP.S.0043.000000T0000Z-251029T0000Z/ /O.NEW.KILM.RP.S.0044.251029T1000Z-251030T0000Z/ Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover- 735 PM EDT Tue Oct 28 2025 ...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT WEDNESDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected. * WHERE...Coastal Pender and Coastal New Hanover Counties. * WHEN...From 6 AM EDT Wednesday through Wednesday 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. && $$ SCZ054-056-290045- /O.EXP.KILM.RP.S.0043.000000T0000Z-251029T0000Z/ Coastal Horry-Coastal Georgetown- 735 PM EDT Tue Oct 28 2025 ...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK WILL EXPIRE AT 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING... $$ 9
5 follow-up statements
595
WHUS42 KILM 290511
CFWILM
Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
111 AM EDT Wed Oct 29 2025
NCZ106-108-291900-
/O.NEW.KILM.CF.Y.0101.251029T1600Z-251029T1900Z/
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0044.251029T1000Z-251030T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
111 AM EDT Wed Oct 29 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 3 PM EDT
THIS AFTERNOON...
* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents
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 3 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
-------- --------- --------- --------- ------- --------
29/01 AM 5.2 0.7 1.8 6 None
29/01 PM 6.3 1.8 2.0 5 Minor
30/01 AM 5.0 0.5 1.6 4 None
30/02 PM 5.3 0.8 1.0 4 None
31/02 AM 4.6 0.1 0.9 3-4 None
31/03 PM 5.1 0.6 0.7 3-4 None
&&
$$
NCZ110-291900-
/O.NEW.KILM.CF.Y.0101.251029T1600Z-251029T1900Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
111 AM EDT Wed Oct 29 2025
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 3 PM EDT
THIS AFTERNOON...
* WHAT...Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level
expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal
waterways.
* WHERE...Coastal Brunswick County.
* WHEN...From noon today to 3 PM EDT this afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Low-lying roads and locations along the Intracoastal
Waterway and adjacent tidal creeks may observe minor coastal
flooding. Check with local officials for any road closures or
impacts.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Affected areas listed are based on
average tide conditions. Additional locations may experience
flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, high winds, or
other factors.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be
closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of
unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.
&&
Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.
Mercer Pier at Wrightsville Beach
MLLW Categories - Minor 6.0 ft, Moderate 8.0 ft, Major 10.0 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 1.5 ft, Moderate 3.5 ft, Major 5.5 ft
Total Total Departure
Day/Time Tide Tide from Norm Waves Flood
ft MLLW ft MHHW ft ft Impact
-------- --------- --------- --------- ------- --------
29/01 AM 5.2 0.7 1.8 6 None
29/01 PM 6.3 1.8 2.0 5 Minor
30/01 AM 5.0 0.5 1.6 4 None
30/02 PM 5.3 0.8 1.0 4 None
31/02 AM 4.6 0.1 0.9 3-4 None
31/03 PM 5.1 0.6 0.7 3-4 None
&&
$$
NCZ107-291900-
/O.NEW.KILM.CF.Y.0101.251029T1700Z-251029T2100Z/
Inland New Hanover-
111 AM EDT Wed Oct 29 2025
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM TO 5 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...The lower Cape Fear River including downtown
Wilmington.
* WHEN...From 1 PM to 5 PM EDT this afternoon.
* 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
-------- --------- --------- --------- ------- --------
29/03 AM 5.1 0.4 1.0 N/A None
29/03 PM 5.7 1.0 1.0 N/A Minor
30/03 AM 4.9 0.2 0.8 N/A None
30/04 PM 5.0 0.3 0.3 N/A None
31/04 AM 4.3 -0.4 0.1 N/A None
31/05 PM 4.8 0.1 0.0 N/A None
&&
$$
19550
WHUS42 KILM 291606
CFWILM
Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
1206 PM EDT Wed Oct 29 2025
NCZ106-108-291900-
/O.CON.KILM.CF.Y.0101.000000T0000Z-251029T1900Z/
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0044.000000T0000Z-251030T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
1206 PM EDT Wed Oct 29 2025
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 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 3 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
-------- --------- --------- --------- ------- --------
29/01 PM 6.0 1.5 1.7 4 Minor
30/02 AM 5.1 0.6 1.5 3-4 None
30/02 PM 5.3 0.8 1.0 3-4 None
31/02 AM 4.3 -0.2 0.6 3-4 None
31/03 PM 5.0 0.5 0.6 3-4 None
01/04 AM 4.7 0.2 0.5 2-3 None
&&
$$
NCZ110-291900-
/O.CON.KILM.CF.Y.0101.000000T0000Z-251029T1900Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
1206 PM EDT Wed Oct 29 2025
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 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 3 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
-------- --------- --------- --------- ------- --------
29/01 PM 6.0 1.5 1.7 4 Minor
30/02 AM 5.1 0.6 1.5 3-4 None
30/02 PM 5.3 0.8 1.0 3-4 None
31/02 AM 4.3 -0.2 0.6 3-4 None
31/03 PM 5.0 0.5 0.6 3-4 None
01/04 AM 4.7 0.2 0.5 2-3 None
&&
$$
NCZ107-291900-
/O.CON.KILM.CF.Y.0101.251029T1700Z-251029T2100Z/
Inland New Hanover-
1206 PM EDT Wed Oct 29 2025
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM EDT THIS
AFTERNOON...
* WHAT...Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level
expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal
waterways.
* WHERE...The lower Cape Fear River including downtown
Wilmington.
* WHEN...Until 5 PM EDT this afternoon.
* IMPACTS...The lowest portions of USS North Carolina Road and
Battleship Road begin to observe minor coastal flooding. Water
begins to spread out of storm drains onto Water Street just
south of Market Street in downtown Wilmington.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Affected areas listed are based on
average tide conditions. Additional locations may experience
flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, high winds, or
other factors.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be
closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of
unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.
&&
Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.
Cape Fear River at Wilmington
MLLW Categories - Minor 5.5 ft, Moderate 6.8 ft, Major 10.0 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 0.8 ft, Moderate 2.1 ft, Major 5.3 ft
Total Total Departure
Day/Time Tide Tide from Norm Waves Flood
ft MLLW ft MHHW ft ft Impact
-------- --------- --------- --------- ------- --------
29/03 PM 5.7 1.0 1.0 N/A Minor
30/04 AM 5.0 0.3 0.8 N/A None
30/04 PM 5.0 0.3 0.3 N/A None
31/05 AM 4.3 -0.4 0.0 N/A None
31/05 PM 4.6 -0.1 -0.2 N/A None
01/06 AM 4.4 -0.3 -0.2 N/A None
&&
$$
ABW096
WHUS42 KILM 291833
CFWILM
Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
233 PM EDT Wed Oct 29 2025
NCZ106-108-292100-
/O.EXP.KILM.CF.Y.0101.000000T0000Z-251029T1900Z/
/O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0044.000000T0000Z-251030T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-
233 PM EDT Wed Oct 29 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.
&&
$$
NCZ110-291945-
/O.EXP.KILM.CF.Y.0101.000000T0000Z-251029T1900Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
233 PM EDT Wed Oct 29 2025
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 3 PM EDT THIS
AFTERNOON...
Water levels have fallen below minor flood thresholds.
$$
NCZ107-292100-
/O.CON.KILM.CF.Y.0101.000000T0000Z-251029T2100Z/
Inland New Hanover-
233 PM EDT Wed Oct 29 2025
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 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...The lower Cape Fear River including downtown
Wilmington.
* WHEN...Until 5 PM EDT this afternoon.
* 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
-------- --------- --------- --------- ------- --------
29/03 PM 5.7 1.0 1.0 N/A Minor
30/04 AM 5.0 0.3 0.8 N/A None
30/04 PM 5.0 0.3 0.3 N/A None
31/05 AM 4.3 -0.4 0.0 N/A None
31/05 PM 4.6 -0.1 -0.2 N/A None
01/06 AM 4.4 -0.3 -0.2 N/A None
&&
$$
ABW687 WHUS42 KILM 292056 CFWILM Coastal Hazard Message National Weather Service Wilmington NC 456 PM EDT Wed Oct 29 2025 NCZ107-292200- /O.EXP.KILM.CF.Y.0101.000000T0000Z-251029T2100Z/ Inland New Hanover- 456 PM EDT Wed Oct 29 2025 ...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 5 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON... Water levels have fallen below minor flood thresholds. $$ NCZ106-108-300000- /O.CON.KILM.RP.S.0044.000000T0000Z-251030T0000Z/ Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover- 456 PM EDT Wed Oct 29 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. && $$
069 WHUS42 KILM 292334 CFWILM Coastal Hazard Message National Weather Service Wilmington NC 734 PM EDT Wed Oct 29 2025 NCZ106-108-300045- /O.EXP.KILM.RP.S.0044.000000T0000Z-251030T0000Z/ Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover- 734 PM EDT Wed Oct 29 2025 ...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK WILL EXPIRE AT 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING... $$ NCZ110-300900- /O.NEW.KILM.BH.S.0042.251030T1000Z-251031T0000Z/ Coastal Brunswick- 734 PM EDT Wed Oct 29 2025 ...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT THURSDAY THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Strong west to east longshore current. There is also a Moderate Risk of rip currents expected. * WHERE...Coastal Brunswick 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. && $$ 9
The office that day
Everything else NWS Wilmington, NC issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 27, 8:00 PM EDT | Rip Current Statement | ILM | New Hanover, Pender | 24 hr |
| Oct 27, 8:14 PM EDT | Gale Warning | ILM | 24 hr | |
| Oct 28, 2:15 PM EDT | Small Craft Advisory | ILM | 68 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.