Rising tides are expected to cause coastal flooding across parts of southeastern North Carolina Sunday night.
The National Weather Service in Wilmington issued a Coastal Flood Advisory at 5:26 p.m., warning of water levels high enough to flood low-lying areas through midnight.
The advisory includes Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick counties, where forecasters say up to half a foot of flooding above ground level is possible near shorelines and tidal waterways.
Coastal Flood Advisory
Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
526 PM EDT Sun Apr 19 2026
NCZ106-108-110-200400-
/O.NEW.KILM.CF.Y.0004.260420T0000Z-260420T0400Z/
Coastal Pender-Coastal New Hanover-Coastal Brunswick-
526 PM EDT Sun Apr 19 2026
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT...
* WHAT...Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level
expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal
waterways.
* WHERE...Coastal Pender, Coastal New Hanover and Coastal
Brunswick Counties.
* WHEN...Until midnight EDT tonight.
* IMPACTS...Low-lying roads and locations along the Intracoastal
Waterway and adjacent tidal creeks may observe minor coastal
flooding. Check with local officials for any road closures or
impacts.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Affected areas listed are based on
average tide conditions. Additional locations may experience
flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, high winds, or
other factors.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be
closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of
unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.
&&
Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.
Mercer Pier at Wrightsville Beach
MLLW Categories - Minor 6.0 ft, Moderate 8.0 ft, Major 10.0 ft
MHHW Categories - Minor 1.5 ft, Moderate 3.5 ft, Major 5.5 ft
Total Total Departure
Day/Time Tide Tide from Norm Waves Flood
ft MLLW ft MHHW ft ft Impact
-------- --------- --------- --------- ------- --------
19/10 PM 6.4 1.9 1.2 2-3 Minor
20/10 AM 4.8 0.3 1.0 2 None
20/11 PM 5.9 1.4 0.9 2 None
21/11 AM 4.5 0.0 0.8 2-3 None
22/12 AM 5.6 1.1 0.8 2 None
22/12 PM 4.2 -0.3 0.6 2 None
Minor flooding is expected along roads near the Intracoastal Waterway and adjacent creeks, especially around high tide.
NWS officials have now issued several coastal flooding warnings and advice for residents. Drivers are urged to avoid flooded roads and never drive around barricades. Even shallow water can be dangerous. The NWS warns that 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down, while 12 inches can carry away most vehicles.
Residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas should be ready to move to higher ground if needed, as water levels can rise quickly.
