Alert archive / North Carolina / Beach Hazards Statements in 2026

Beach Hazards Statement 44, NWS Wilmington, NC

September 7, 2026Brunswick County, New Hanover County, Pender County, North Carolina; Georgetown County, Horry County, South Carolina

NWS Wilmington, NC issued this beach hazards statement at Sep 7, 2026, 1:34 AM EDT for Brunswick County, New Hanover County, Pender County, North Carolina; Georgetown County, Horry County, South Carolina. It was in force for 11 min.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Sep 7, 2026, 1:34 AM EDT (05:34 UTC)
Expired
Sep 7, 2026, 1:45 AM EDT
In force
11 min
Issued by
NWS Wilmington, NC

Counties Brunswick County, NC, New Hanover County, NC, Pender County, NC, Georgetown County, SC, Horry County, SC

The radar

The Wilmington radar (KLTX), 3 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 05:34 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, 5.6 hours before the alert went out and 168 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 2026-09-07Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 209 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Newport, NC at 00:00Z on 2026-09-07The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -103 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 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
209 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-30 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
916 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
19 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-103 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
-1 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

400 
WHUS42 KILM 070534
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
134 AM EDT Mon Sep 7 2026

NCZ107-071345-
/O.NEW.KILM.CF.Y.0039.260907T2200Z-260908T0300Z/
Inland New Hanover-
134 AM EDT Mon Sep 7 2026

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 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...The lower Cape Fear River including downtown 
  Wilmington.

* WHEN...From 6 PM to 11 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 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 07/06 AM     4.9        0.2        0.6       N/A      None    
 07/07 PM     5.8        1.1        0.7       N/A     Minor    
 08/08 AM     5.2        0.5        0.6       N/A      None    
 08/08 PM     5.8        1.1        0.6       N/A     Minor    
 09/09 AM     5.2        0.5        0.4       N/A      None    
 09/09 PM     5.6        0.9        0.3       N/A     Minor

&&

$$

NCZ106-108-SCZ054-056-071345-
/O.NEW.KILM.BH.S.0044.260907T0534Z-260907T0600Z/
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0043.260907T1000Z-260908T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Horry-
Coastal Georgetown-
134 AM EDT Mon Sep 7 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 AM EDT EARLY THIS
MORNING...
...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT THIS
MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...For the first Beach Hazards Statement, Strong north to
  south longshore current. There is also a Moderate Risk of rip
  currents. For the second Beach Hazards Statement, Strong north
  to south longshore current. There is also a Moderate Risk of rip
  currents expected.

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

* WHEN...For the first Beach Hazards Statement, until 2 AM EDT 
  early this morning. For the second Beach Hazards Statement, 
  from 6 AM EDT this morning through this 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.

&&

$$

NCZ110-071345-
/O.NEW.KILM.BH.S.0044.260907T0534Z-260907T0600Z/
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0043.260907T1000Z-260908T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
134 AM EDT Mon Sep 7 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 AM EDT EARLY THIS
MORNING...
...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT THIS
MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...For the first Beach Hazards Statement, Strong north to
  south longshore current. There is also a Moderate Risk of rip
  currents. For the second Beach Hazards Statement, Strong north
  to south longshore current. There is also a Moderate Risk of rip
  currents expected.

* WHERE...Coastal Brunswick County.

* WHEN...For the first Beach Hazards Statement, until 2 AM EDT 
  early this morning. For the second Beach Hazards Statement, 
  from 6 AM EDT this morning through this 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.

&&

$$
1 follow-up statement
174 
WHUS42 KILM 070545
CFWILM

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
145 AM EDT Mon Sep 7 2026

NCZ106-108-SCZ054-056-080000-
/O.CAN.KILM.BH.S.0044.000000T0000Z-260907T0600Z/
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0043.260907T1000Z-260908T0000Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Horry-
Coastal Georgetown-
145 AM EDT Mon Sep 7 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT THIS
MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Strong north to south longshore current. There is also a
  Moderate Risk of rip currents.

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

* WHEN...Today.

* 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.

&&

$$

NCZ110-080000-
/O.CAN.KILM.BH.S.0044.000000T0000Z-260907T0600Z/
/O.CON.KILM.BH.S.0043.260907T1000Z-260908T0000Z/
Coastal Brunswick-
145 AM EDT Mon Sep 7 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM EDT THIS
MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Strong east to west longshore current. 

* WHERE...Coastal Brunswick County.

* WHEN...Today.

* 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.

&&

$$

NCZ107-080000-
/O.CON.KILM.CF.Y.0039.260907T2200Z-260908T0300Z/
Inland New Hanover-
145 AM EDT Mon Sep 7 2026

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 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...The lower Cape Fear River including downtown 
  Wilmington.

* WHEN...From 6 PM to 11 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 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 07/06 AM     4.9        0.2        0.6       N/A      None    
 07/07 PM     5.8        1.1        0.7       N/A     Minor    
 08/08 AM     5.2        0.5        0.6       N/A      None    
 08/08 PM     5.8        1.1        0.6       N/A     Minor    
 09/09 AM     5.2        0.5        0.4       N/A      None    
 09/09 PM     5.6        0.9        0.3       N/A     Minor

&&

$$

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this beach hazards statement went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Wilmington, NC wrote its last area forecast discussion before this beach hazards statement went out at Sep 6, 8:11 PM EDT, 5 hours 23 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • -1)Strong to severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.
Area forecast discussion, Sep 6, 8:11 PM EDT, 5 hours 23 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
811 PM EDT Sun Sep 6 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Aviation section updated for 00Z TAF issuance.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...
-1)Strong to severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1...Strong to severe thunderstorms this afternoon
and evening.

KEY MESSAGE 1 DESCRIPTION...
The slight risk has been expanded and
now includes most of the area save for marginal for  northernmost
zones. Vorticity-laden NW flow continues with MLCAPE generally
around 2000 J/Kg. Confidence is shaky regarding exact location based
upon spread in CAMS, though the nearest term threat appears to be
the cluster of storms diving SE out of RAH's CWA, though they so far
have been only SPS-worthy though a small uptick in shear could
change that and a few SVR's may be needed.  Guidance is clinging to
rain chances over southernmost zones, which are closer to
yesterday's frontal boundary but would not be surprised to see
these lowered somewhat as instability wanes to zero.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
VFR following convection along the coast this evening. VFR will
continue through the early morning hours, and northeast winds
should bring MVFR to much of the region overnight. Some early
morning IFR is also possible. VFR will return by mid-morning
with a chance of showers and storms in SC tomorrow afternoon.

Extended Outlook... Mostly VFR conditions as drier high
pressure builds in from the north.

&&

.MARINE...
Post-frontal NE flow in place across the area. Tomorrow into
tomorrow night high pressure will start pushing the front farther to
the south and winds and seas build. The surge that results was
previously though to lead to SCA conditions but guidance has backed
off slightly on what was marginal in the first place and so have
held off for now. A few 25kt gusts still seem possible. The
high will be slow to progress keeping onshore flow into Tuesday
while speeds abate and some swell energy materializes.
Southwesterly flo late in the period increases with the approach
of another cold front but no headlines are anticipated. &&

.ILM WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NC...None.
SC...None.
MARINE...None.

&&

.ILM WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NC...Beach Hazards Statement from 6 AM EDT Monday through Monday
     evening for NCZ106-108-110.
SC...Beach Hazards Statement from 6 AM EDT Monday through Monday
     evening for SCZ054-056.
MARINE...None.

&&

WHAT HAS CHANGED...MBB
KEY MESSAGES...RJB/MBB
DISCUSSION...MBB
AVIATION...21
MARINE...MBB

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Sep 6, 7:40 PM EDT, 5 hours 54 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
740 PM EDT Sun Sep 6 2026

SCZ039-055-070015-
Williamsburg SC-Inland Georgetown SC-
740 PM EDT Sun Sep 6 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN GEORGETOWN AND
SOUTHEASTERN WILLIAMSBURG COUNTIES THROUGH 815 PM EDT...

At 739 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Earle, or 19 miles southeast of Kingstree, moving south at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Andrews, Lambert, Trio, Warsaw, and Earle.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 3325 7955 3327 7955 3326 7956 3327 7956
      3330 7966 3332 7971 3332 7974 3334 7976
      3338 7979 3337 7980 3343 7988 3343 7987
      3344 7987 3345 7988 3358 7983 3352 7947
      3324 7950
TIME...MOT...LOC 2339Z 012DEG 14KT 3342 7968

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

SCALORA
Local storm report, Sep 6, 10:33 PM EDT, 3 hours 1 minute before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
1033 PM EDT Sun Sep 6 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0445 PM     Waterspout       2 S Lake Waccamaw       34.29N 78.52W
09/06/2026                   Columbus           NC   Broadcast Media

            Shared video of a waterspout on Lake
            Waccamaw via social media. Time estimated by
            radar.

&&

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Sep 6, 8:01 PM EDTBeach Hazards StatementILMBrunswick, New Hanover, Pender24 hr
Sep 7, 1:34 AM EDTCoastal Flood AdvisoryILMBrunswick, New Hanover, Pender19 hr
Sep 7, 1:48 AM EDTSmall Craft AdvisoryILM29 hr
Sep 7, 7:47 PM EDTBeach Hazards StatementILMBrunswick24 hr
Sep 7, 7:47 PM EDTRip Current StatementILMNew Hanover, Pender24 hr

Nearby

Beach Hazards Statements in North Carolina, 2026Beach Hazards Statements in South Carolina, 2026Every beach hazards statement in 2026

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.