Information as of Sept. 24, 2024 at 4 p.m.
As we continue to respond to the impacts of PTC #8, it is important to continue to stay alert this hurricane season. Brunswick County and the National Weather Service in Wilmington continue to monitor potential tropical activity in the Atlantic, including Tropical Storm Helene in the Gulf of Mexico. Here is the latest update from NWS-Wilmington about what our area could experience in the coming days as of Sept. 24:
- Tropical Storm Helene is forecast to approach Florida as a major hurricane on Thursday, before moving north-northwest inland on Friday.
- 2 to 4 inches of rain is expected late Thursday into Friday (locally higher amounts possible).
- 25+ mph wind gusts are possible Thursday night into Friday.
- Isolated tornadoes are possible.
- Minor coastal flooding is possible at beaches during daytime high tides through Friday. Minor coastal flooding along Lower Cape Fear River expected with each high tide through Friday.
- Hazardous marine conditions late week, with 7-10 foot seas and potential for gale-force wind gusts Thursday night and Friday.
Brunswick County and Southeastern North Carolina should continue to monitor the evolution of this system, especially if there is any deviation to the east. Residents should still stay up-to-date with the latest forecast updates and take time now to ensure their emergency plans are in place.
Here are a few ways you can stay prepared and alert.
- Register for the ReadyBrunswick emergency notification system
- Remain alert for updates from the NWS-Wilmington at weather.gov/ilm and find the latest weather briefing at weather.gov/ilm/briefing.
- Have multiple ways to get weather information (local news and radio stations, NOAA weather radios, National Weather Service, emergency alert notifications, etc.)
- Have a plan. Know how you will keep yourself, your family, and your pets safe if flooding is forecast for your area. Make sure you consider your family’s unique needs, including anyone who needs medicine or medical equipment. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if you aren’t together when flooding starts.
Find more preparedness information and resources at brunswickcountync.gov/hurricanes.