Weather

Rip Currents, High Surf and Strong Winds Hit North Carolina Coast as Humberto and Imelda Stir Offshore

BySaluda Standard Sentinel Team October 2, 2025October 2, 2025

WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA — Even though Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda are far from landfall, the storms are already impacting the North Carolina coast with dangerous rip currents, high surf, and strong wind gusts.

Coastal Flood Alerts

The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood warning for the Outer Banks, where 1 to 2 feet of inundation is expected in low-lying areas. The Inner Banks remain under a coastal flood advisory.

These alerts are in effect until Friday morning, with officials warning that even minor flooding could cause roadway closures and hazardous conditions near tidal waterways.

Gale and High Surf Warnings

A gale warning is in effect for offshore waters through 7 p.m. Wednesday, with wind gusts ranging between 35 and 45 mph.

Meanwhile, a high surf advisory will remain in effect through Thursday night, with waves reaching 5 to 8 feet in surf zones.

The combination of high surf, rip currents, and gusty winds has also prompted a small craft advisory stretching from South Florida up to Maine, highlighting the widespread coastal impacts of these two storms.

Rip Current Dangers

Lifeguards along the North Carolina coast warn that hundreds of swimmers are rescued each year due to rip currents — a danger now heightened by Imelda and Humberto’s offshore presence.

Beach safety experts remind visitors:

Swim only at lifeguard-protected beaches.
Never swim alone.
Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties, where permanent rip currents are common.
If caught in a rip current, remain calm, swim parallel to shore, and never fight the current.

Authorities stress that even strong swimmers can be at risk in these conditions.

Outlook

Both storms remain well offshore, but their influence on North Carolina’s coastline will continue through the week, with forecasters monitoring additional coastal flooding threats during high tide cycles.

Residents and beachgoers are urged to follow official advisories and avoid entering the ocean until conditions improve.

Have you seen impacts from Humberto or Imelda along the Carolina coast this week? Share your story and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.

Saluda Standard Sentinel Team

The Saluda Standard-Sentinel Team represents the collective voice of our newsroom — covering urgent updates, official notices, and stories compiled by multiple reporters. Rooted in the South and committed to trusted local journalism, our team brings timely, community-first reporting to readers across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.