Wilmington poised to break 100-inch rain benchmark
Would become 3rd Southeast city to break century mark in 1 year
WILMINGTON –Wilmington's rainiest year on record is likely to become only the third time a Southeastern U.S. city has ever broached the 100-inch mark, according to a Weather Channel meteorologist.
According to the Weather Channel's Mike Seidel, Tallahassee recorded 104.18 inches in 1964 and New Orleans reached 102.37 inches in 1991.
If forecasts hold true, Wilmington will surpass the 100-inch mark on Saturday.
A week-long drenching in late July, Hurricane Florence and the remnants of Hurricane Michael all boosted Wilmington's 2018 rainfall total, which stood at 97.9 inches late Friday afternoon. But with nearly 2 more inches of rain predicted to fall on Friday and another 1 inch possible on Saturday, the 100-inch milestone is within reach.
Wilmington averages 57.6 inches of rainfall, a mark that was reached and quickly surpassed in August.
Jordan Baker, a NWS Wilmington meteorologist, said an already record-setting year would become even more historic by passing the level.
“I think you could argue it’s already been an insane year,” he said. “But this would be a benchmark. One hundred inches is quite remarkable and unprecedented. It is something we can say we achieved and then hopefully never do it again."
Southeastern North Carolina will remain under a flash flood watch until Saturday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service, with 2 to 4 inches of rain expected to fall across the region.
"Rain will be heavy at times tonight through midday Saturday, and could produce flash flooding, especially for poor drainage areas near creeks, streams and ditches," the warning states. "Street flooding is likely in areas and known low spots."
The NWS has also issued a flood warning for the Northeast Cape Fear River near Burgaw "until further notice."
As of 6 p.m. Friday, the weather models still forecasted enough rainfall through Sunday morning to take the region into triple digits. There have been some fluctuation in the models, however.
“The last couple models have been shifting toward less rain, but it looks like we would reach it right now,” Baker said.
Even if the region doesn't hit 100 inches this week, current forecasts indicate there are a few more chances for rain before the ball drops on New Year's Eve.
“It’s not over until the last day of the month,” Baker said.
Reporter Hunter Ingram can be reached at 910-343-2327 or Hunter.Ingram@StarNewsOnline.com.