Good morning Wilmington!

Missed the Blood Moon? Here’s the Next Best Thing 🌕🔴

If you stayed up for last night’s total lunar eclipse, you got to witness the Blood Worm Moon in all its eerie red glow. If, like me, you didn’t quite make it past midnight, don’t worry—you can still enjoy the view.

Check out these stunning photos from around the world capturing the celestial spectacle: Space.com. Sometimes, the best way to experience an event is through the lenses of those who braved the late hours. 🌌📸

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Explore Career Opportunities at CFCC’s Construction Trade and Apprenticeship Fair on March 25

• Carolina Beach Introduces New Coastal Warning Display to Signal Approaching Storms

Carolina Beach Introduces New Coastal Warning Display to Signal Approaching Storms

[WECT] The Town of Carolina Beach has launched a new Coastal Warning Display/Storm Flag program to alert residents about approaching storms. Nautical flags will be hoisted at the Municipal Marina to signal incoming weather threats, prompting locals to tune in to National Weather Service updates. Harbor Master Larry Denning noted that these visible alerts remind the community of nature’s destructive power, especially during hurricane season.

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News Roundup

Local

• Pender County commissioners are pushing to take control of emergency medical and fire services, a move that local fire chiefs say is a "slap in the face." Fire officials argue the decision could undermine volunteer departments and community safety. WWAY

• The New Hanover County School Board's policy committee has advanced changes to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, potentially rolling back certain protections. The proposal will now move forward for further discussion by the full board. WWAY

What You Need to Know

• A new documentary, Age of Disclosure, explores the U.S. government's declassification of UFO-related materials and interviews key officials. The film claims recent revelations could shift public perception of extraterrestrial encounters. The Guardian

• Trump is considering invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to detain and deport foreign nationals deemed a threat to national security. Legal experts warn the move could lead to indefinite detention at Guantanamo Bay. CBS News

• Gold prices have surged past $3,000 per ounce for the first time, driven by economic uncertainty and increasing demand for safe-haven assets. Analysts cite inflation concerns and geopolitical tensions as key factors. MSN

What Might Surprise You

• An Australian man has survived 100 days with a completely artificial heart, marking a major milestone in medical technology. Doctors say the device could revolutionize heart failure treatment. CNN

• California Governor Gavin Newsom is reportedly laying the groundwork for a 2028 presidential run, despite previous denials. His recent fundraising efforts and national appearances suggest he is positioning himself as a Democratic frontrunner. WSJ

National News

• A United Airlines plane caught fire while taxiing at Denver International Airport, forcing passengers to evacuate onto the wing. No injuries were reported, but the incident has raised concerns about aircraft safety. MSN

• The Trump administration has withdrawn its controversial nomination of Dave Weldon to lead the CDC. The former congressman faced backlash over his past opposition to vaccine mandates and public health measures. STAT News

World News

• Fears are growing that China could launch an attack on Taiwan, as satellite images show dozens of invasion barges positioned near the coast. Military analysts warn the vessels are capable of transporting troops and heavy equipment for an amphibious assault. The Sun

Weather

Summary

We will see partly cloudy conditions on Friday with warmer highs near 70°. Saturday brings a sharp change, with PM thunderstorms and windy conditions, a high of 69°, and a 94% chance of rain. Winds escalate from ENE to strong southerly gusts by Saturday. Tides fluctuate predictably, while surf conditions grow from small, choppy waves on Thursday to larger, more turbulent swells by Saturday afternoon due to increasing winds and storm activity.

Weather Forecast

Fri Mar 14: Mostly Sunny | 61° / 55° | 18% | ENE 11 mph
Sat Mar 15: Partly Cloudy | 70° / 62° | 9% | SSE 13 mph
Sun Mar 16: PM Thunderstorms/Wind | 69° / 56° | 94% | S 23 mph

Tide Forecast

Fri Mar 14:
2:09am: -0.29 ft (Low Tide)
8:14am: 3.95 ft (High Tide)
2:30pm: -0.24 ft (Low Tide)
8:33pm: 4.10 ft (High Tide)

Sat Mar 15:
2:47am: -0.24 ft (Low Tide)
8:50am: 3.81 ft (High Tide)
3:01pm: -0.23 ft (Low Tide)
9:11pm: 4.10 ft (High Tide)

Sun Mar 16:
3:21am: -0.15 ft (Low Tide)
9:27am: 3.62 ft (High Tide)
3:30pm: -0.16 ft (Low Tide)
9:50pm: 4.03 ft (High Tide)

Surf Forecast

Fri Mar 14:
Surf stays at 1 ft through AM and PM, with choppy conditions persisting at 2pm due to NE 10 mph winds. Primary swell E at 1 ft @ 9 sec, secondary S at 1.4 ft @ 5 sec. Low tide around 0.3 ft impacts wave quality.

Sat Mar 15:
Surf holds at 1 ft in the AM, increasing slightly to 1-2 ft in the PM. Conditions may turn choppy with SSE winds at 13 mph. Swell direction likely similar to previous days, though expect some buildup as winds shift and intensify.

Sun Mar 16:
Surf jumps significantly to 3-5 ft in the AM, reaching 4-6+ ft in the PM due to stronger S winds at 23 mph and storm influence. Expect turbulent, choppy conditions with PM thunderstorms affecting wave quality and safety.

Weather data derived from: weather.com, tide data from marineweather.net, and surf data from surfcaptain.com

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY