Coastal Storm Warning: Gale Conditions to Impact Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida Through Weekend

CHARLESTON, S.C. — A powerful early fall coastal storm is expected to unleash strong northeast gales, heavy surf, and dangerous marine conditions from North Carolina through Georgia and into northern Florida, beginning late Thursday and continuing through the weekend.

Gale Warnings in Effect Across Southeast Coast

The National Weather Service Ocean Prediction Center and regional coastal offices have issued Gale Warnings for offshore waters, with winds expected to reach 30–40 knots and seas building to 10–16 feet by Saturday.
The system formed behind a stalling cold front, with high pressure over the Mid-Atlantic funneling cool, dry air southward. This setup is creating a strong counterflow against the Gulf Stream, producing steep waves and turbulent seas.

Meteorologists warn that conditions will worsen into the weekend as a low-pressure system intensifies along the stalled front, likely drifting northward off the Carolinas before possibly stalling near the Mid-Atlantic coast early next week.

Expected Impacts

Marine: Sustained 25–40 knot northeast winds and 10–16-foot seas are forecast from Cape Fear, North Carolina, to northern Florida, with small craft advisories in effect for nearshore waters.
Coastal: High surf, beach erosion, and strong rip currents are likely from Wilmington to Jacksonville, posing serious hazards for swimmers and boaters.
Timing: The worst conditions are expected Friday through Sunday, gradually subsiding by Monday night.

Detailed Forecast for Offshore Waters (Cape Fear to 31°N)

• Tonight: NE winds 20–30 knots, seas 5–8 feet, scattered showers.
• Thursday: NE 25–35 knots, seas 8–13 feet, numerous showers and isolated storms.
• Friday–Saturday: NE 30–40 knots, seas 10–16 feet, rough surf and minor coastal flooding possible.
• Sunday–Monday: Winds shift NW 20–30 knots, seas slowly falling to 6–10 feet by late Monday.

Safety Advisories

Officials urge mariners and coastal residents to secure vessels, avoid open waters, and monitor updates from NWS Charleston, Wilmington, and Jacksonville. Beachgoers should stay out of the water and follow posted red flag warnings, as rip currents and crashing surf could make swimming life-threatening.

The Saluda Standard-Sentinel encourages readers to share local storm photos and safety updates from their communities along the Southeast coast. Visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for continued coverage of this developing weather system.