News Flash • Weather and safety advisories for Hurricane Helene

As we continue to respond to the impacts of PTC #8, it is important to continue to remain vigilant this hurricane season. Brunswick County and the National Weather Service in Wilmington continue to monitor possible tropical activity in the Atlantic, including Hurricane Helene in the Gulf of Mexico. Here is the latest update from NWS-Wilmington on what our region may experience in the coming days due to Helene.

Latest updates from NWS-Wilmington

Current weather briefing from NWS-Wilmington starting September 26, 2024 at 7 a.m. / The next NWS briefing is scheduled for September 26 at 6 p.m.

• Hurricane Helene will make landfall near the Big Bend in Florida. The storm will also become physically very large and its impacts will spread far from the center, especially east of the track.
• Isolated tornadoes are possible, especially tonight through Fridaybefore the threat drifts out of the area.
• Precipitation is forecast to range from 1 to 3 inches (plus more in isolated areas), which could cause flash flooding. Areas most affected by last week’s heavy rains are particularly at risk of flooding. Some rivers in the region could be affected.
• Wind gusts of 40 mph are possible, particularly in coastal areas of northeastern South Carolina, with gusts of 30-35 mph expected elsewhere. Gusts may be stronger in some areas during thunderstorms. Winds are expected to increase tonight through Friday.
• Rough sea conditions are expected in coastal waters, with steep waves at the entrances to bays. Large breakers and strong currents are also expected in the surf.
• Minor flooding is possible at any high tide in all coastal areas through Friday morning, and in downtown Wilmington and the lower Cape Fear River through the weekend.

Brunswick County and southeastern North Carolina should continue to monitor the development of this system, particularly if any eastward deviations occur. Residents should continue to stay informed of the latest forecasts and take time now to ensure their emergency plans are ready.

Here are some ways you can stay prepared and alert.

• Register for the ReadyBrunswick Emergency reporting system
• Stay tuned for updates from NWS-Wilmington at weather.gov/ilm and find the latest weather reports at weather.gov/ilm/briefing.
• You have several options for getting weather information (local news and radio stations, NOAA Weather Radio, National Weather Service, emergency alerts, etc.)
• Make a plan. Consider how you will protect yourself, your family and your pets if flooding is forecast for your area. Be sure to consider the special needs of your family, including those who require medication or medical equipment. Consider how you will contact each other and how you will re-establish contact if you are not together when the flooding begins.

For more information and preparedness resources, visit brunswickcountync.gov/hurricanes.