Wilmington, N.C. – Residents across southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina should be prepared for strong thunderstorms through tonight as storms moving in from the west bring the potential for damaging wind gusts, small hail and localized flash flooding.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue developing and tracking east through the evening. Forecasters estimate at least a 15% chance of localized severe thunderstorms, with damaging straight-line winds posing the greatest threat. Small hail is also possible in the strongest storms.
Heavy downpours could quickly overwhelm drainage systems, especially in low-lying and urban areas. Communities including Wilmington, Burgaw, Whiteville, Lumberton, Southport, Myrtle Beach, Conway, Georgetown, Florence and Darlington could experience brief periods of flooding where thunderstorms repeatedly move across the same locations.
The heaviest storms are expected to produce torrential rainfall, dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning and wind gusts capable of downing tree limbs and causing isolated power outages. Motorists should be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions, reduced visibility and water-covered streets during the evening commute.
Residents are encouraged to monitor radar and weather alerts throughout the evening and have multiple ways to receive warnings if storms intensify. If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Flash Flood Warning is issued, move indoors immediately and avoid traveling through flooded roadways. Report wind damage or flooding to local officials when it is safe to do so.
Thunderstorms will gradually shift eastward into the overnight hours, but additional warnings may be issued if stronger storms develop or flooding becomes more widespread along the coastal Carolinas.
