Atlantic Coast at Johnnie Mercers Pier at Wrightsville Beach (MLLW)
North Carolina — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in New Hanover County, North Carolina on the Atlantic Coast. Live water level data from USGS, updated every 15 minutes.
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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This is an NWS forecast point (LID: JMPN7). Live data may be limited. View on NWS AHPS →
Flood Stages
Major Flood
10 ft
Moderate Flood
8 ft
Minor Flood
6 ft
Action Stage
5.5 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
10 ft
Life threatening, and widespread coastal flooding is expected with significant damage to coastal structures and roadways. Water may enter beachfront structures not elevated on pilings. Nearly all waterfront and coastal access roads will be closed, possibly for an extended period of time. Significant inundation of coastal, bayside, sound-side tributaries and tidal creeks is likely.
8 ft
On Figure Eight Island, Oyster Catcher Road and Beach Road may be affected. At Wrightsville Beach, water reaches North Lumina Avenue. At Carolina Beach,Canal Drive from Starfish Lane northward may be impassable. At Carolina Beach State Park, water can reach the parking lot and building near the docks. Susceptible locations in Pender County are the south end of Topsail Beach, areas from Topsail Beach north of Jolly Roger Pier to the south end of Surf City, and the north end of Surf City near the county line.
6 ft
At Wrightsville Beach, Channel Avenue at Sweeney Avenue may begin to flood. Minor street flooding occurs on the sound-side of Carolina Beach, along Canal Drive from Starfish Lane northward. Water gets into yards along the sound, but the street flooding is mainly the result of salt water backing up through the storm drains. Heavy rain at the time of high tide exacerbates this problem.
5.5 ft
Minor flooding of the prone low-lying coastal locations possible depending on winds and wave action.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 14, 1954 | 16.2 ft | — |
| Sep 5, 1996 | 12.7 ft | — |
| Sep 14, 2018 | 8.53 ft | — |
| Sep 14, 2018 | 8.53 ft | — |
| Sep 30, 2022 | 7.93 ft | — |
About This Gauge
NWS LID
JMPN7
River
Atlantic Coast
County
New Hanover, NC
Coordinates
34.2134°N, 77.7867°W
Get Flood Alerts for Atlantic Coast
StormCast monitors this gauge and sends a push notification to your phone when the water level crosses into a new flood category — even at 3 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Atlantic Coast at Johnnie Mercers Pier at Wrightsville Beach (MLLW)?
The Atlantic Coast at Johnnie Mercers Pier at Wrightsville Beach (MLLW) gauge is maintained by USGS and reports water levels every 15 minutes. Visit this page to see the latest reading updated live, or download StormCast to get push alerts when levels rise.
What is flood stage for Atlantic Coast at Johnnie Mercers Pier at Wrightsville Beach (MLLW)?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Atlantic Coast at Johnnie Mercers Pier at Wrightsville Beach (MLLW) is 6 feet. Action stage begins at 5.5 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 8 feet, and major flooding at 10 feet.
How do I get alerts when Atlantic Coast rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Atlantic Coast at Johnnie Mercers Pier at Wrightsville Beach (MLLW) to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category — even when your screen is off.
Where is the Atlantic Coast at Johnnie Mercers Pier at Wrightsville Beach (MLLW) gauge located?
The gauge is located in New Hanover County, North Carolina at coordinates 34.2134°N, 77.7867°W. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: National Ocean Service
- <head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <style type="text/css"> .style1 { background-color: #FFFF00;} </style> </head> For specific information regarding Coastal Flood Watches, Warnings, and Advisories refer to the latest<span class="style1"> </span> <a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=ILM&product=CFW&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1"> <span class="style1">Coastal Hazard Message</span></a>. During tropical cyclones, please refer<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=ILM&product=TCV&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1"><span class="style1"> here</span></a> for additional storm surge information.