Wilmington, NC – Thunderstorms are set to dominate Wilmington and coastal North Carolina through Thursday night, raising the risk of flash flooding, lightning, and sudden travel disruptions. Repeated rounds of heavy rain and scattered severe storms will bring rapidly changing weather, with the greatest risk for damaging winds and frequent lightning concentrated from Tuesday through Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, scattered storms will develop Tuesday afternoon, with more organized and potentially severe storms moving through late Tuesday night into Wednesday. Rainfall could reach up to a quarter inch in some areas, but higher totals are possible under slow-moving thunderstorms. Northeast winds at 5 to 8 mph could push storms inland, heightening the threat for brief urban flooding in downtown Wilmington, Leland, and along Highway 17.
Wednesday brings another round of storms, mainly after 2 p.m., with locally heavy rainfall and lightning likely. Conditions remain unsettled Thursday, with storm chances peaking and gusty winds threatening power outages or minor tree damage. Drivers should use caution during commutes and avoid water-covered roads, while residents are urged to secure outdoor items and have flashlights ready in case of power loss.
Thunderstorm chances persist into Friday before slightly drier air arrives by the weekend. Showers may linger into early Saturday, but more sun is expected by Sunday. Another round of storms could return early next week, so stay tuned for updates as the unsettled pattern continues.
Five Day Forecast for Wilmington, NC:
- Tuesday: Chance of thunderstorms after noon, high near 85°F.
- Wednesday: Thunderstorms likely, especially after 2 p.m., high near 86°F.
- Thursday: Showers and storms likely, high near 86°F.
- Friday: Showers and storms likely, high near 83°F.
- Saturday: Chance of showers early, partly sunny, high near 86°F.
