Special Marine Warning Issued for Coastal North and South Carolina Waters Through Thursday Afternoon

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Wilmington, NC, has issued a Special Marine Warning for coastal waters in North and South Carolina. This alert is based on radar-indicated severe thunderstorms moving through the region.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following maritime zones:

• Coastal waters from Surf City to Cape Fear, NC, out to 20 nautical miles.
• Coastal waters from Cape Fear, NC, to Little River Inlet, SC, out to 20 nautical miles.
• Waters from Surf City to Cape Fear, NC, from 20 to 40 nautical miles.

Specific locations impacted include Johnny Mercer Pier, Masonboro Sea Buoy, Harris Reef, 10 Mile Rocks, Sheepshead Rock, Buoy Off Carolina Beach, Rich Inlet, Wr2, 5 Mile Boxcars, Fort Fisher, 10 Mile Boxcars, Liberty Ship, Dallas Rock, Billy Murrell Reef, Kure Beach Point, School House Reef, Kure Beach, Topsail Boxcars, Topsail Tire Reef, and Dredge Wreck.

What You Should Do

Boaters are advised to seek safe harbor immediately until these storms pass. If caught on open water, prepare for rapidly deteriorating conditions. Ensure that you and all crew members are wearing properly fitted life jackets. Move to a safe harbor immediately to avoid expected gusty winds and high waves.

Expected Conditions

Severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts and wind gusts to nearly 50 knots were detected along a line extending from 12 nautical miles west of the Highway 24-17 Bridge to 7 nautical miles west of Wrightsville Beach. The system is moving east at 50 knots. These conditions can easily overturn boats, damage small craft, and create suddenly higher waves and hazardous seas.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is effective immediately as of 1:42 PM EDT and is scheduled to remain in effect until 3:45 PM EDT on March 12.