Wilmington, North Carolina – Drivers along the Carolina coast could face sudden 50 mph wind gusts through 7 p.m. Monday, strong enough to knock down tree limbs and briefly disrupt power across southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, a Wind Advisory remains in effect for coastal Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties in North Carolina and for Horry and Georgetown counties in South Carolina. Sustained south winds of 20 to 30 mph will continue through the afternoon with gusts reaching 50 mph along beaches and exposed bridges.
High-profile vehicles may struggle along coastal routes such as U.S. 17, N.C. 210 near Surf City, and the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge into Wilmington. Beach communities including Carolina Beach, Oak Island, Myrtle Beach, and Murrells Inlet could also see unsecured outdoor items blown around as the strongest gusts move through before sunset.
Once the wind threat fades Monday evening, attention shifts to a sharp temperature drop later this week. Inland areas including Wilmington, Conway, Florence, and Lumberton could see temperatures fall into the upper 20s late Tuesday night through Wednesday morning under a Freeze Watch.
The cold snap may damage early spring crops and sensitive vegetation across the coastal Carolinas. Residents are urged to cover plants, bring potted vegetation indoors, and protect exposed outdoor plumbing before temperatures fall below freezing.
Additional advisories may be issued as colder air settles across the region through midweek.
