What to know as tornado watch issued
Wind gusts, heavy rain impact Wilmington, NC
A band of storms moved across North Carolina on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, making their impact in the Wilmington area by the afternoon.
- The Wilmington area is under a tornado watch until 1 p.m. Wednesday due to expected severe storms.
- Residents can expect heavy rain, strong winds, and potential thunderstorms throughout the day.
- A gale warning, wind advisory, and high surf advisory are also in effect for coastal areas.
- The National Weather Service advises securing loose objects and preparing for potential power outages.
(This story was updated to add a photo and video of windy conditions in the Wilmington area and for new information.)
Ahead of expected severe storms, the Wilmington area was put under a tornado watch on Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
While the watch for Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties expired at 3 p.m. Wednesday, more rain and wind has picked up by early afternoon.
Here’s what to else to know.
What to expect in the Wilmington area
On Wednesday, showers and thunderstorms are anticipated in Wilmington before 4 p.m., with the chance of precipitation at 90 percent during the day, dropping to 30 percent at night, according to the National Weather Service Wilmington’s detailed forecast. A chance of both showers and thunderstorms will continue into the evening.
Rainfall between a half and three quarters of an inch is predicted during the day, with the possibility of new rainfall between a tenth and a quarter of an inch at night, with higher amounts possible in the event of a thunderstorm.
During the day on Wednesday, a south wind between 24 to 29 miles per hour is forecasted in Wilmington with gusts as high as 46. At night, west wind between 13 to 16 miles per hour is forecasted, with gusts as high as 28 miles per hour.
Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 72, dropping to a low of 45 Wednesday evening.
Watches, warnings and advisories
A gale warning remains in effect from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday — advising mariners to alter their plans to avoid potentially hazardous conditions which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
Coastal waters of Southeastern North Carolina could see south winds between 20 and 30 knots, with gusts as high as 40 knots, according to the warning. Sea swells between seven and 11 feet are forecasted.
A wind advisory remains in effect for the area between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday, with south winds between 20 and 25 miles an hour forecasted and a potential for gusts up to 50 miles per hour, according to the advisory. Thunderstorms could bring gusts exceeding 60 miles per hour, leading to downed tree limbs and power outages.
A high surf advisory is also in effect for coastal Brunswick County between 5 a.m. Wednesday and 7 a.m. Thursday, with large breaking waves between six and nine feet expected in the surf zone. The National Weather Service notes dangerous swimming and surfing conditions with localized beach erosion.
The severe weather briefing for Southeastern North Carolina also indicates a risk for large hail, tornadoes, lightning and minor flooding.
How to prepare for a high wind event
Before strong winds, the National Weather Service advises the following:
- Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
- Secure loose gutters and shutters.
- Identify an interior room of your house, such as a basement or interior bathroom, that you can take shelter in during high wind warnings.
- If you live in a mobile home, identify a sturdy building you can go to if the National Weather Service issues a high wind or severe thunderstorm warning.
- Charge batteries of all essential items such as cell phones and booster packs, weather radios and power tools such as a reciprocating saw, which you might need to clear debris.
- Update your emergency kit and be sure to include enough food and water to last for 3 days for each person in your home.
- Make a list of items outside your home you will need to tie down or put away so that they don’t blow away or fly through a window. When the National Weather Service issues a high wind or severe thunderstorm watch, immediately secure these items to avoid damage or injury once the wind starts picking up.
