First Alert Forecast: isolated flooding & dangerous coastal conditions to slowly improve

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - An offshore/coastal low pressure system will put a stormy stamp on the Cape Fear Region - and, for that matter, much of the broader region - through the first half of Memorial Day weekend. Given the time of year, there remains an outside chance that this storm could earn a subtropical tag. Interesting wrinkle? Yes, but differences in impacts would be imperceptible in any case, and that’s what’s important. To capture the period of roughest conditions, your First Alert Weather Team continues its First Alert Action Day program through Saturday, May 27. Localized flooding is possible Saturday so don’t drive over roads with water flowing over them.

Another friendly reminder to stay out of the ocean through Saturday as our First Alert Action Days continue. Dangerous rip currents, gale-force winds, high surf, and minor coastal flooding will continue though tomorrow. #WECTwx #ILMwx pic.twitter.com/tv8lCZ5Pg1
— Eric R. Davis WECT (@ericdavisWECT) May 26, 2023

Timing & Impacts: Through Saturday, heavy surf, longshore currents, potentially strong rip currents, and rough seas will adversely affect beachgoing and boating. Travel could be tricky, too, with chances for rain and 30-40+ mph gusts remaining elevated Saturday night. Isolated flash flooding and severe storms are not out of the realm of possibility, so please stay alert. By Sunday and Memorial Day, fewer showers and storms could offer a few brighter breaks; surf and sea conditions should settle a bit by then, too.

Our Promise & Your Action: If you’ve not already, download the free WECT Weather App for your devices and configure it to your location. That way, you can receive all relevant storm bulletins - especially important if you are in a coastal zone, where ongoing beach and marine statements from the National Weather Service may need to find you! Your First Alert Weather Team will continue to keep you updated with increased custom content on this app, as well as WECT broadcast and social platforms, until conditions settle. In the meantime: travel with care, respect the rips, and stay in port if you can.

Catch details in your seven-day forecast: http://webpubcontent.gray.tv/wect/MAXSevendayWECT.jpg.

FAQs about the First Alert Action Day program: https://www.wect.com/2022/01/13/first-alert-action-days-answering-your-faqs/

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