Wilmington street under floodwater
Wilmington has been grappling with **serious flooding** this past week due to **Tropical Storm Debby**, which has dumped nearly 11 inches of rain at Wilmington International Airport. To put this in perspective, the city typically sees just over 8 inches of rain throughout August. Some areas of the Cape Fear region have recorded upwards of **15 inches**, leading to a waterlogged landscape.
After several days of relentless rain, many streets in Wilmington are still **flooded and closed**, and rivers are on the rise. Emergency officials are on high alert as standing water and flooding could linger in the region for several days. With additional storm activity brewing in the tropics, they’re worried about the potential for even more rain this coming week.
According to the National Hurricane Center, several **tropical waves** are making their way across the Atlantic. The wave closest to the Caribbean has about a **70% chance of developing** into a tropical depression by Tuesday and a **90% chance** by the end of the week. If it forms, it could be named **Tropical Storm Ernesto**.
While forecast models suggest that the storm may drift away from the U.S. coast toward the Bahamas, its development could still unleash **heavy rain and strong winds** on an already saturated Wilmington. Authorities are particularly attentive to the soggy ground conditions, which could result in downed trees and **more flooding**.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November, and recent updates from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center indicate an increase in potential storm activity. They’ve forecasted **17-24 named storms**, with **8-13 possibly becoming hurricanes**, including **4-7 major hurricanes**. This prediction comes after an early start to the season, which saw **Hurricane Beryl**, the earliest Category 5 storm on record.
Several elements contribute to this rise in tropical activity: warm sea surface temperatures, **reduced vertical wind shear**, and the ongoing effects of **climate change**. These factors, combined with developing La Niña conditions, could lead to more frequent and intense storms in the coming weeks.
Residents are reminded to remain cautious of the residual impacts from Debby. Roads can suddenly become submerged with **standing water**, creating hazards for drivers and pedestrians. Some areas in Brunswick County are dealing with overwashed roads, while parts of New Hanover County still have streets closed due to flooding.
Officials have issued a **moderate risk of rip currents** for local beaches, alongside warnings of extreme heat, which could push temperatures into the triple digits. With conditions still unpredictable, keeping informed and prepared is crucial for Wilmington’s residents.