Wilmington, NC – A brief window for isolated strong storms could bring hail to inland parts of the eastern Carolinas by late Saturday afternoon, with the highest concern focused west of the Cape Fear region.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, a Level 1 out of 5 severe risk is in place Saturday afternoon into early evening, primarily impacting areas near and west of Florence, South Carolina. While widespread severe weather is not expected, any storm that develops could produce large hail as the primary hazard.
Communities including Florence, Darlington, and inland portions of Columbus and Bladen counties may see storms develop between roughly 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Coastal areas such as Wilmington, Southport, and Myrtle Beach are expected to remain mostly quiet, with limited storm activity reaching the immediate shoreline.
Drivers along inland routes like I-95 and U.S. 74 should be prepared for brief downpours and sudden visibility drops if storms form. Residents are encouraged to monitor radar updates and move indoors if thunder is heard.
Storm chances diminish after sunset, and no organized severe weather is expected beyond Saturday evening, though isolated alerts could still be issued if storms intensify.
