August 16, 2026 The National Weather Service in Wilmington issued a Special Weather Statement at 2:57 p.m. Sunday for Inland Brunswick County, warning of a strong thunderstorm capable of producing a landspout over the Makatoka area.
Forecasters reported the storm was nearly stationary as it developed roughly 11 miles north of Shallotte. Radar indicated wind gusts approaching 50 mph, pea‑size hail, and periods of torrential rainfall capable of causing brief flooding on low‑lying roadways. Frequent cloud‑to‑ground lightning was also observed.
The weather service noted that landspouts, while typically weaker than tornadoes, can still produce sudden localized damage. Residents in the affected area were urged to move indoors and avoid driving through flooded roads.
Communities most likely to experience impacts include Makatoka and Honey Island.
The storm was moving slowly north at approximately 4 knots.
Coastal Carolina News will update this story if additional advisories or warnings are issued.
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