WILMINGTON, N.C. — A coastal flood advisory is in effect for downtown Wilmington this afternoon, as high tide near the Cape Fear River is expected to bring minor street flooding and potential travel delays along USS North Carolina Road and surrounding areas.
Flood Risk From 2 to 5 p.m. Along the Riverfront
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, floodwater could back up into low-lying streets through storm drains, particularly near Market Street south of downtown. Officials warn that up to six inches of water above ground level may pool in shoreline areas during high tide.
The most impacted timeframe is expected between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., when water may make some roads temporarily impassable.
Travel Advisory and Preparedness Tips
Motorists are urged to:
- Avoid driving through flooded roads, especially where water depth is uncertain
- Allow extra travel time for detours
- Move parked cars to higher ground
- Secure outdoor furniture or objects that could shift during storms or flooding
Officials also caution that repeat flooding is possible during Saturday’s high tide cycle, with thunderstorm chances returning Friday night and Saturday afternoon.
Wilmington Weather Outlook
- Saturday: Slight chance of storms after 2 p.m., high near 88°F
- Sunday: Sunny, high near 89°F
- Monday: Sunny, high near 89°F
- Tuesday: Chance of showers and storms, high near 87°F
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 87°F
If tides remain elevated into the weekend, additional alerts could be issued through Monday, according to NWS meteorologists…