Wilmington, North Carolina – 35 mph wind gusts are creating hazardous travel and marine conditions through Saturday evening, while temperatures drop to 32°F by early Sunday morning, threatening crops and sensitive plants across southeast North Carolina. The combination of strong winds, dry air, and an overnight freeze risk is creating a multi-hazard setup across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, elevated fire danger continues across southeast North Carolina through Saturday evening due to dry conditions and gusty north winds of 10 to 20 mph, with higher gusts up to 35 mph. A Gale Warning is also in effect for coastal and offshore waters, where strong winds will produce dangerous seas for mariners through the day. Inland, a Freeze Watch is in place for Pender, Bladen, and Robeson counties, as well as nearby areas of northeast South Carolina, from late Saturday night into Sunday morning.
The greatest impacts will be felt along the Cape Fear region, including Wilmington, Jacksonville, and surrounding inland communities. Boaters along the Intracoastal Waterway and nearshore Atlantic waters will encounter rough conditions, while drivers on U.S. 17, U.S. 74/76, and Interstate 40 could face sudden crosswinds. Agricultural areas inland face the highest freeze risk, with temperatures dropping into the low 30s and frost likely forming before sunrise Sunday.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items, avoid burning, and protect sensitive plants by covering or bringing them indoors. Mariners are urged to remain in port.
Conditions improve Sunday as winds ease and temperatures rebound, but additional advisories remain possible if dry weather persists.
