Cape Fear, North Carolina – Boaters and commercial vessels near Cape Fear face dangerous conditions through Sunday as Tropical Depression Three moves north, bringing high winds and rough seas to the Carolina coast.
According to the National Weather Service, a Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for waters south of Cape Fear, where winds could reach 35 knots and seas climb to 11 feet by Saturday night. The storm is expected to shift northwest and move inland over the Carolinas on Sunday.
The most hazardous conditions are forecast Saturday and Saturday night, with sustained east to southeast winds of 25 to 35 knots and widespread showers and thunderstorms. Marine travel is strongly discouraged during this period. Seas will remain between 6 to 10 feet on Sunday, gradually easing to 3 to 6 feet by Monday.
Small craft should remain in port, and all mariners are advised to monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center and NOAA Weather Radio. The storm may cause disorganized squalls, reduced visibility, and rapid changes in sea state.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve starting Monday, though elevated winds will persist through midweek.
🔭 FIVE-DAY MARINE FORECAST (Cape Fear Offshore Waters)
- Saturday: E-SE winds 25–35 kt, seas 6–10 ft, heavy showers and storms
- Sunday: S-SW winds 20–30 kt, seas 6–10 ft, scattered thunderstorms
- Monday: SW winds 10–20 kt, seas 3–6 ft, calmer conditions
- Tuesday: SW winds 10–20 kt, seas 3–5 ft, partly cloudy
- Wednesday: S-SW winds 10–20 kt, seas 3–5 ft, fair weather expected
