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Storm surge risk snapshot · Chapel Hill, NC

More for North Carolina: Highest storm surge risk cities · North Carolina live outlook

Current risk outlook

Storm surge risk for Chapel Hill, NC.

Live conditions updated just now. Refreshes every 5–40 minutes.

This view focuses on storm surge exposure patterns and coastal vulnerability near this city.

Live risk outlook

ELEVATED

Elevated

Next 6–24 hours: Today: Elevated (55/100) · Rain 94% · Max wind 6 to 9 mph.

No active local alerts at this moment.

Sources: NOAA, NWS, SPC, NHC, FEMA, USGS.

Extended live outlook →

Historical risk score

Long-term baseline derived from historical hazard activity.

0

/ 100

Storm surge risk score0/100

For typical homes located in Chapel Hill, NC.

Baseline context

Storm surge model is not available for this location yet.

Compare other local risks

See how Chapel Hill scores across each hazard model.

City snapshot

All hazards combined

35/100

Flood risk

Heavy rain and low-lying flood exposure

32/100

Wind risk

Roof stress and gust-driven damage

22/100

Lightning risk

Thunderstorm and strike exposure

54/100

Wildfire risk

Fuels, dryness, and fire potential

64/100

Tornado risk

Historic tornado corridor exposure

10/100

Hail risk

Hail frequency and roof impact potential

56/100

Hurricane risk

Wind + surge + rain-driven flooding

25/100

Local hazard map

Chapel Hill, NC

Tile rasters

Click a tile to update scores. These layers are for awareness and are not a replacement for official NWS / NHC warnings.

Surge intelligence snapshot

Nearest tide gauge (NOAA CO-OPS)

Wilmington (8658120)

Distance from Chapel Hill: 133 mi

Observed water level: 1.80 ft (MLLW)

Observed: local time

Source: NOAA CO-OPS.

NHC storm surge watch/warning

No NHC storm surge watch/warning posted.

Source: NHC advisory feed.

Coastal flood alerts (NWS)

No coastal flood alerts at this time.

Source: National Weather Service.

Wave & surf forecast

Observed wave height: 3.94 ft

Observed: local time

Buoy: Station 41110 (15 mi)

Source: NDBC buoy observations.

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5-day surge outlook

Today

ELEVATED

Rain chance: 94%

Max wind: 6 to 9 mph

Risk score: 55/100

Tomorrow

LOW

Rain chance: 26%

Max wind: 5 mph

Risk score: 25/100

Sat

LOW

Rain chance: 9%

Max wind: 3 mph

Risk score: 10/100

Sun

LOW

Rain chance: 1%

Max wind: 2 to 7 mph

Risk score: 10/100

Mon

MODERATE

Rain chance: 53%

Max wind: 8 mph

Risk score: 35/100

Historical storm surge exposure

Local surge data facts

Observed water level1.80 ft · 133 mi
Nearest buoy waves3.94 ft · 15 mi

Data from NOAA CO-OPS, NHC surge advisories, and NWS marine forecasts.

Historical storm surge exposure near Chapel Hill

  • Surge risk is highest near the coast and tidal waterways, and drops quickly inland.
  • Wind direction and storm approach angle can be as important as storm category.
  • Strong storms can create surge + rainfall flooding at the same time.

Storm surge FAQs for Chapel Hill

Can storm surge affect Chapel Hill?

Surge risk generally drops quickly inland, but tidal rivers and bays can still push water farther than expected in some storms.

Is storm surge the same as flooding?

Surge is ocean water pushed onshore by wind/pressure; flooding can also come from rainfall, rivers, and drainage issues.