Coastal Flood Advisory Issued for Wilmington Area Through Early Sunday
National Weather Service warns of minor flooding up to six inches deep on key Wilmington roads and downtown streets from Friday night through early Sunday.
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA — The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood advisory Friday afternoon for the lower Cape Fear River region, including downtown Wilmington, warning of minor flooding expected to begin Friday evening and continue through early Sunday morning.
The advisory, issued at 2:26 p.m. Friday, remains in effect until 1 a.m. Sunday, according to the NWS Wilmington office. Officials expect up to half a foot of water inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways.
Affected Areas and Expected Impacts
The flooding will primarily affect specific roadways and sections of downtown Wilmington during the advisory period from 9 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Sunday. Battleship Road and USS North Carolina Road are expected to experience minor coastal flooding up to six inches in depth.
Downtown Wilmington will see more limited impacts, with one block of Water Street expected to observe minor flooding up to three inches deep. The flooding coincides with higher than normal tide conditions in the Cape Fear River area.
Additional Considerations
Weather service officials noted that the affected areas listed are based on average tide conditions, meaning additional locations could experience flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, high winds, or other weather factors. Residents and drivers in the area should exercise caution when traveling through potentially flooded roadways.
The advisory covers the lower Cape Fear River region, which includes the downtown Wilmington area and surrounding low-lying coastal zones. Minor coastal flooding of this type typically occurs when astronomical tides combine with weather conditions to push water levels above normal.
Motorists are advised to avoid driving through flooded roads, as even shallow water can cause vehicle damage or create dangerous driving conditions. The “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” safety message applies to any flooded roadway, regardless of apparent water depth.
