Wilmington, N.C. – Hazardous surf and rip currents are expected to intensify along the coasts of southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina through early next week as tropical activity ramps up in the Atlantic. The National Weather Service warns that dangerous marine conditions could develop as soon as Sunday night.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Humberto is moving northwest near Bermuda, while a separate tropical disturbance near Hispaniola is likely to strengthen into a depression before tracking toward the Bahamas. The system could shift north and bring impacts to the Carolinas by early next week, though direct landfall remains uncertain.
Forecasters stress that while wind, rain, and tornado threats are still too early to pinpoint, confidence is high regarding life-threatening rip currents and hazardous seas. Beaches from Myrtle Beach to Wrightsville Beach should expect rough surf that could close swimming areas and make boating dangerous.
Emergency officials urge residents to review hurricane plans, charge electronic devices, and prepare for potential advisories over the weekend. Even without a direct strike, coastal flooding and power outages remain possible if the system edges closer to shore.
The National Weather Service in Wilmington will issue its next update by 6 a.m. Friday, with more advisories likely as the storm track becomes clearer. Warnings could remain in effect into early next week.
