WILMINGTON, N.C. – Calm air and clear skies mask a subtle threat along the Cape Fear River this Monday morning as coastal North Carolina braces for minor tidal flooding at high tide Tuesday morning. The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday, warning that low-lying areas near the downtown riverfront could experience up to a half-foot of inundation.
According to the NWS, the flooding risk will coincide with the morning tide cycle, particularly near Battleship Road, USS North Carolina Road, and Water Street in downtown Wilmington. Minor flooding could briefly affect access to riverfront parking lots and low-lying streets, especially where storm drains back up under the pressure of elevated water levels. Drivers are urged to allow extra travel time, avoid flooded intersections, and never attempt to drive through standing water of unknown depth.
After Tuesday’s tide cycle passes, the region will settle into a stretch of classic coastal fall weather. Sunshine dominates through Friday, with highs in the low to mid-70s and comfortably cool mornings in the 40s. Light northwest winds will turn southwest by midweek, keeping air crisp but mild — perfect for outdoor events, fishing, or leaf-peeping inland.
No rain is expected through the upcoming weekend, and the Atlantic remains quiet. However, models hint that another strong high-pressure ridge late week could push inland temperatures into the upper 30s by early next week — an early sign of fall’s first inland frost for parts of southeastern North Carolina.
Five-Day Forecast for Wilmington, NC:
Mon: 72/46 – Sunny and mild; light northwest breeze.
Tue: 74/58 – Sunny; minor coastal flooding near high tide.
Wed: 75/48 – Clear and pleasant; cool morning.
Thu: 69/47 – Breezy and dry; cooler trend begins.
Fri: 70/50 – Sunny; crisp air, calm seas.
