Wilmington, NC – Thunderstorms are expected to intensify Tuesday afternoon, bringing a renewed threat of flash flooding across coastal and inland southeast North Carolina. Roads in low-lying areas, particularly near the Cape Fear River, could see standing water during the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, rain chances climb sharply after 2 p.m. Tuesday, with storms capable of producing more than an inch of rain in a short period. The heaviest rainfall is expected between late afternoon and midnight, affecting New Hanover, Brunswick, Columbus, and nearby South Carolina counties. Areas that saw heavy rain over the past week remain especially vulnerable to flooding as saturated ground increases runoff potential.
Drivers should avoid crossing flooded roads and plan for extra travel time, particularly along U.S. 17, U.S. 74, and major city streets in Wilmington and Leland. Residents in flood-prone neighborhoods should monitor local alerts and be prepared to move vehicles to higher ground…