CHARLESTON, S.C. – A powerful early fall coastal system will bring strong northeast gales, dangerous seas, and heavy surf from North Carolina through Georgia and into the upper Florida coast beginning late Thursday and lasting through the weekend. The National Weather Service Ocean Prediction Center and local coastal offices have issued Gale Warnings for offshore waters as winds build to 30–40 knots and seas climb to 10–16 feet by Saturday.
Behind a strong cold front stalling near the southern Atlantic waters, high pressure from the north is funneling cool, dry air southward. This sets up counterflow against the Gulf Stream, creating a zone of steep, breaking waves and dangerous marine conditions. Meanwhile, a developing low-pressure system along the stalled front is expected to intensify Friday into Sunday, drifting northward off the Carolinas before possibly stalling near the Mid-Atlantic coast early next week.
Impacts:
- Marine: Sustained 25–40 kt NE winds and 10–16 ft seas from Cape Fear, NC, to northern Florida.
- Coastal: High surf, beach erosion, and rip currents likely from Wilmington to Jacksonville.
- Timing: Worst conditions Friday through Sunday, gradually easing by Monday night.
NWS Gale Warning – Cape Fear to 31N Offshore (to 1000 FM):
- Tonight: NE 20–30 kt, seas 5–8 ft, scattered showers.
- Thursday: NE 25–35 kt, seas 8–13 ft, numerous showers, isolated storms.
- Friday–Saturday: NE 30–40 kt, seas 10–16 ft, rough surf and coastal flooding possible.
- Sunday–Monday: NW 20–30 kt, slowly subsiding seas 6–10 ft by late Monday.
Mariners and coastal interests should avoid open waters, secure vessels in port, and monitor updated forecasts from NWS Charleston, Wilmington, Jacksonville, and the Ocean Prediction Center. Beachgoers should heed flag warnings and avoid swimming through the weekend as surf hazards remain high.
