Wilmington, NC – The air feels calm this morning across coastal North Carolina, but radar trends hint at a volatile change ahead. Meteorologists are warning of a low but notable severe weather risk Tuesday morning through early afternoon, with damaging winds, torrential rain, and a slight chance of a tornado across the Wilmington area and the lower Cape Fear region.
The National Weather Service in Wilmington reports that a strong frontal boundary will push across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina Tuesday, ushering in a line of thunderstorms capable of producing 40 to 50 mph gusts. Rain will begin late Monday night, becoming heavy early Tuesday, especially along Highways 17, 74, and I-40.
Travelers and commuters should prepare for ponding on roads, rapidly changing conditions, and brief power interruptions as storms sweep inland. While the tornado risk remains isolated, forecasters emphasize that straight-line winds could still cause scattered tree damage and minor coastal flooding during the morning high tide.
Behind the front, skies will clear by late Tuesday with cooler, drier air returning midweek. Wednesday’s sunshine will be a welcome break, though another system could bring rain chances back by the weekend.
Five-Day Outlook:
- Monday: Partly sunny, high 68°F.
- Monday Night: Rain late, low 46°F.
- Tuesday: Heavy rain, strong winds, high 65°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny, high 63°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 60°F.
