Atlantic Coast at Sunset Beach
North Carolina — Water Level & Flood Stage
Located in Brunswick 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: SNSN7). Live data may be limited. View on NWS AHPS →
Flood Stages
Major Flood
11 ft
Moderate Flood
9 ft
Minor Flood
8 ft
Action Stage
7.5 ft
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
What Floods at Each Level
11 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.
9 ft
On the Brunswick County coast, vulnerable areas include several neighborhoods off of Bald Head Rd, portions of Ocean Dr. in the Old Yaupon area, portions of East and West Beach Dr. in Long Beach, and portions of Dolphin Drive east of Middleton Ave in Long Beach. High astronomical tides along with heavy rainfall can create flooding along Ocean Blvd. in Holden Beach. In Sunset Beach, one mile inland on Clubhouse Rd. near Calabash Creek Bridge can flood with high astronomical tides and heavy rain.
8 ft
Minor coastal flooding affects the southern shore of Bald Head Island along Bald Head Road, and the east end of Ocean Isle Beach. Minor flooding can also occur on roadways near tidal marshes and creeks.
7.5 ft
Minor flooding of the prone low-lying coastal locations possible if accompanied by other factors, such as persistent onshore wind 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 | 18 ft | — |
| Oct 14, 1954 | 18 ft | — |
| Oct 8, 2006 | 7.55 ft | — |
| Oct 8, 2006 | 7.55 ft | — |
| Oct 7, 2006 | 7.43 ft | — |
About This Gauge
NWS LID
SNSN7
River
Atlantic Coast
County
Brunswick, NC
Coordinates
33.8650°N, 78.5067°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 Sunset Beach?
The Atlantic Coast at Sunset Beach 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 Sunset Beach?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Atlantic Coast at Sunset Beach is 8 feet. Action stage begins at 7.5 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 9 feet, and major flooding at 11 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 Sunset Beach 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 Sunset Beach gauge located?
The gauge is located in Brunswick County, North Carolina at coordinates 33.8650°N, 78.5067°W. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.