Wilmington, N.C. – Drivers across southeastern North Carolina should prepare for steady rainfall through late Thursday night, with totals approaching 1 inch in some communities and ponding possible along I-40, US-17 and College Road before midnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, periods of mostly light to moderate rain will continue through the day, especially near and west of the I-95 corridor, before shifting eastward this evening. A few thunderstorms may develop overnight, primarily east of I-95 and closer to the coast, adding brief heavier downpours to an already wet roadway network.
Rainfall totals generally between a half inch and 1 inch could create standing water on low-lying stretches of I-140, Carolina Beach Road and portions of US-74. Urban drainage areas in downtown Wilmington and Leland may experience temporary street flooding if heavier showers train over the same location.
High temperatures will climb into the low to mid-60s Thursday, keeping conditions mild but damp. Overnight lows will hover near 50 degrees, limiting fog development but allowing roads to remain slick through the early Friday commute.
Motorists should reduce speeds on wet highways, increase following distance and avoid driving through water-covered roadways. Even shallow standing water can lead to hydroplaning at highway speeds.
Rain will taper from west to east before daybreak Friday, but additional updates could be issued if thunderstorms intensify overnight. Wet conditions remain the primary concern through early Friday morning across the Wilmington area.
