Wilmington, N.C. – Drivers along I-40 and U.S. 17 could face slick, ponding roads this morning as bands of heavy rain linger across southeast North Carolina. With October just days away, unsettled conditions may still spark isolated flooding in low-lying neighborhoods and flood-prone stretches of roadway.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, tropical moisture linked to T.S. Imelda will continue lifting northward through Tuesday. Rain chances climb to 70% today and remain elevated into Tuesday night, with gusty northeast winds between 15–20 mph. The heaviest rainfall is expected across coastal counties, including New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender, where poor drainage areas are at the highest risk.
Residents should allow extra travel time, avoid driving through standing water, and keep cell phones charged in case of power disruptions. Emergency managers urge caution, particularly for early commuters and school traffic. By Wednesday, a shift toward drier conditions will finally bring relief, with mostly sunny skies and highs near 77.
The cooler, calmer weather marks the first day of October, setting up a stretch of fall-like days. Sunshine returns Wednesday afternoon and continues through the weekend, giving residents a chance to recover after the wet start to the week.
More advisories may follow if flooding worsens in vulnerable areas, but conditions are expected to steadily improve after midweek.
Five-Day Forecast for Wilmington, NC:
- Monday: Showers likely, high near 78. Gusts up to 17 mph.
- Tuesday: Rain chances 60%, high near 76. Breezy at times.
- Wednesday (Oct. 1): Mostly sunny, high 77.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 75. Clear overnight.
- Friday: Sunny, high near 80.
