Wilmington, NC, September 29, 2025
News Summary
Tropical Depression Nine is set to strengthen into Tropical Storm Imelda as it nears the North Carolina coast. Forecasts indicate hazardous conditions with rainfall up to 10 inches. Residents are advised to prepare for rip currents, flooding, and beach erosion, particularly in the Outer Banks and surrounding counties. The storm’s track includes a tropical storm watch issued for Florida’s east coast, highlighting the potential for heavy rainfall and increased coastal hazards.
Wilmington, NC
Tropical Depression Nine is forecasted to strengthen into Tropical Storm Imelda, as it approaches the North Carolina coast. Forecasters predict that the storm could bring hazardous conditions, including up to 10 inches of rain in specific areas along the coast, beginning as early as Monday night and continuing into midweek.
The National Weather Service in Wilmington warns residents to prepare for multiple coastal hazards, including large ocean swells that will lead to an increased risk of rip currents and rough surf conditions starting late this weekend. Residents living in eastern North Carolina should also be on high alert for possible flooding, with rainfall projections predicting totals of 3 to 6 inches, and localized areas may receive up to 10 inches from Imelda.
Areas most likely to be affected by beach erosion and ocean overwash include the Outer Banks, Carteret County, New Hanover, and Brunswick counties. As the storm progresses, officials anticipate that the risk for flooding and erosion could escalate. The forecast track of Tropical Storm Imelda has shifted to include the southern Outer Banks and southeast North Carolina coastal fringes.
As of Sunday, September 28, Imelda was situated about 55 miles south-southwest of the northwest Bahamas and 335 miles southeast of Cape Canaveral, Florida. The storm was reported to have maximum sustained winds of 40 mph, moving north at 9 mph. Additionally, it is predicted that Imelda will become a hurricane early next week off the southeastern U.S. coast. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Florida’s east coast, impacting regions from the Palm Beach/Martin County Line to the Flagler/Volusia County Line.
The National Hurricane Center has highlighted the risks of heavy rainfall, storm surge, and wind impacts along the southeast U.S. coast, with hazardous marine conditions expected as swells from Tropical Storm Imelda will interact with Hurricane Humberto.
Rainfall projections for North Carolina indicate potential totals of 2 to 8 inches, particularly from Monday through Tuesday. Residents are urged to check hurricane supplies and secure their homes against tropical weather. Those living near flood-prone rivers should be vigilant and monitor forecasts carefully due to the potential for flooding. The impact of storms can be intensified due to the close proximity of two tropical systems interacting, causing uncertainty in their exact trajectories and strengths.
According to historical data, September and October are traditionally busy months for tropical activity in the Carolinas, prompting officials to advise residents to remain alert as forecasts may adjust in response to evolving storm conditions.
FAQ
What are the expected rainfall totals for North Carolina from Tropical Storm Imelda?
Forecasters predict up to 10 inches of rain along the North Carolina coast due to the incoming storm. Rainfall projections for North Carolina indicate potential totals of 2 to 8 inches, particularly from Monday through Tuesday.
What coastal hazards are expected from Tropical Storm Imelda?
Large ocean swells are expected, leading to multiple coastal hazards in North Carolina. The National Weather Service warns about an increased risk of rip currents and rough surf conditions starting late this weekend.
What areas in North Carolina are of concern for beach erosion and flooding?
Areas of concern for beach erosion and ocean overwash include the Outer Banks, Carteret County, New Hanover, and Brunswick counties. Flooding risks could begin as early as Monday night and continue into midweek.
Key Features of Tropical Storm Imelda
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Status | Tropical Depression Nine, forecast to strengthen into Tropical Storm Imelda |
| Expected Rainfall | Up to 10 inches along the North Carolina coast |
| Coastal Hazards | Increased risk of rip currents and rough surf conditions |
| Locations at Risk | Outer Banks, Carteret County, New Hanover, Brunswick counties |
| Forecast Track | Southern Outer Banks and southeast North Carolina coastal fringes |
| Tropical Storm Watch | Issued for Florida’s east coast, Palm Beach/Martin County Line to Flagler/Volusia County Line |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Coastal Flood Advisory for Northern Outer Banks Amid Hurricane Erin
Hazardous Beach Conditions Alert for Outer Banks
SimpleSide Construction Takes Lead in Coastal Deck Building
Hurricane Humberto Intensifies to Category 5 Threatening U.S. East Coast
Two Tropical Systems Threaten the East Coast
Hampton Roads Weekend Events Highlight Entertainment and Culture
Coastal Storm Causes Severe Flooding in Virginia Beach
Power Outage and Evacuations Hit Hatteras, NC
Hurricane Gabrielle Impacts Coastal Carolinas
Additional Resources
- Star News Online: Wilmington NC Weather Update
- WXII12: Tropical Depression Nine May Become Imelda
- AccuWeather: Brewing Tropical Storm Imelda
- Fox Weather: Live Tracker for Tropical Storm Imelda
- The Eyewall: Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 Update
- Wikipedia: Tropical Cyclone
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical Storm
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Imelda North Carolina
- Google News: Tropical Depression Nine
- Travel and Tour World: Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Depression Nine Update
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
