WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – We are keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Chantal.
This weather event coincides with the Fourth of July weekend, when many visitors flock to the beach towns.
That’s what one tourist says inspired his drive to Carolina Beach.
“We came for July Fourth to celebrate, and now we are going to get into some fishing,” said Luke Bowman, a visitor at Carolina Beach.
Although they expected a fun summer weekend, they will now use caution near the ocean.
“The storm’s coming, so I think we are going to try and stay out of the water,” said Bowman.
Sam Proffitt, the Director of Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue, suggests that staying out of the water may be the safest way to enjoy a trip to the beach during storm safety concerns.
“We are flying red flags, and we have increased swell coming in,” said Proffitt. “It is very dangerous if you do come out to the beach; make sure you do not get in the ocean. Like I said, we do have a lot of rip current activity.”
Rip currents are dangerous even for the most skilled swimmers.
“Even an Olympic swimmer wouldn’t be able to out-swim a rip current,” said Proffitt.
That’s why some parents are keeping an even closer eye on their children in the water.
“We had them close by today and contemplated not even coming because we were worried about the storm, and my husband said now is the window if we want to go,” said Lyndsay Boui, a visitor of Wrightsville Beach. “We looked at the flag, and it’s red like we assumed it would be, and the kids are staying close to their dad.”
Others prefer to watch the view from a distance.
“I come out here to relax, not so much to get in the water, just sit out and enjoy hearing the waves and just relaxing,” said Becky McDuffie, a visitor of Wrightsville Beach.
Nearby stores, such as Access 16 Beach Shoppe, are preparing to close if necessary.
“Our boss usually doesn’t like to close early unless it’s really, really bad. he’s pretty good at watching it and keeping us updated on it. It depends on when the storm gets here,” said Zachary Albrect, a worker at the Beach Shoppe.
As someone who has been in the area for three summers now, Albrect advises beach visitors to be safe and aware.
“A lot of places around Wrightsville flood easily. It’s best to play it safe,” said Albrect.
If you have to drive in these areas, be aware of ponding on the roads.
One beach road known for flooding is Canal Drive in Carolina Beach.
Visitors agree that it’s always best to be prepared in the event of rainy weather.
“We went out earlier to get some food and stuff, but later today I think it’s going to be pretty bad, so we will probably stay home,” said Bowman.
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