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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Tropical depressions, hurricane threaten region with heavy surf, rains this week

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By Elly Colwell

Intern

Two tropical depressions and a hurricane threaten to create rough ocean condition s and rain along the Southeastern North Carolina coast this week, though officials said the storms don’t appear to be a major threat to Wilmington at this point.

The National Weather Service has issued a high risk for rip currents along all local beaches and the risk is expected to increase throughout the week.

The closest storm, Tropical Depression No. 8 is currently centered east of Wilmington by 285 miles but is expected to reach the Outer Banks on Tuesday and Wednesday.  If the storm moves further west, it could potentially strengthen into a tropical storm, but the National Weather Service Wilmington said the storm is “a small system and should pose little threat to Southeastern N.C.”

Tropical Depression No. 9 could threaten the Southeastern North Carolina coast later this week. Photo courtesy of the National Weather Service.
Tropical Depression No. 9 could threaten the Southeastern North Carolina coast later this week. Photo courtesy of the National Weather Service.

Two other storms, Tropical Depression No. 9 and Hurricane Gaston , are sending waves and expected to send more stormy weather toward the North Carolina coast later this week, the National Weather service said.

The National Weather Service reminded the public to pay close attention to local beach patrols and flag warning systems, emphasizing that the surf can be dangerous for all swimmers.  Swells are expected to reach 3-5 foot waves and create difficulty for boaters navigating the inlets.

Though currently located in the Gulf of Mexico, Tropical Depression No. 9 is expected to move over land and threaten the southeastern coast by Friday or Saturday. Throughout the week, residents should expect between 0.5 to 2 inches of rainfall and the possibility of high winds, the NWS said.

Gov. Pat McCrory reminded residents to stay alert this week.

“While the current forecast does not appear at this time to be a major threat to North Carolina, we know from experience that the storm can shift quickly,” McCrory said in a press release. “These tropical systems can pack a powerful punch; those who are prepared ahead of time will fare better.”

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