Good morning Wilmington!

Stay weather-aware today, Wilmington! A stormy Wednesday is ahead, with the potential for heavy rain, gusty winds, and isolated severe storms moving through the area. WECT’s forecast warns that conditions could be unpredictable, so keep an eye on updates and be prepared for possible delays or disruptions.

The good news? Drier, calmer weather is on the way for Thursday. Until then, stay safe, and let’s dive into today’s news!

Las night, President Donald Trump delivered an address to a joint session of Congress, marking his first speech to both chambers since returning to office. The speech, which lasted approximately 100 minutes, focused primarily on domestic policy priorities for his second term. Trump outlined plans to reshape the economy through tariffs and trade policies, emphasizing domestic manufacturing and revenue generation. He also highlighted immigration, advocating for stricter border security measures and addressing crimes allegedly committed by undocumented immigrants. Additionally, he discussed his administration’s efforts to overhaul the federal government, including reductions in bureaucracy, and briefly touched on foreign policy, though it was not a central focus.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• NC Eyes Crypto ETFs for Pension Fund

• USS North Carolina Crew Visits Wilmington on March 7

NC Eyes Crypto ETFs for Pension Fund

[WUNC] North Carolina lawmakers are considering the Digital Assets Investments Act, which would allow the state pension fund to invest up to 10% in cryptocurrency-based ETFs. Sponsored by House Speaker Destin Hall and Rep. Steve Ross, the bill aims to boost returns and diversify the pension portfolio amid low performance ratings. Although it doesn’t permit direct crypto purchases, the legislation is viewed as a progressive step toward integrating digital assets into public investment strategies. The proposal has sparked debate, with supporters praising its innovation and critics cautioning against volatility risks.

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USS North Carolina Crew Visits Wilmington on March 7

[WECT] A delegation from the nuclear-powered USS North Carolina submarine, commissioned in Wilmington in 2008, is set to visit Wilmington as part of an official namesake tour. The submarine, renowned for its covert operations and intelligence missions in the Pacific, will make stops in Raleigh and Durham before arriving in Wilmington on March 7. The crew’s schedule includes a breakfast reception aboard BB-55 at 9 a.m., a visit to Kids Making It at Castle Street at 1 p.m., a roundtable with Cape Fear Community College faculty and students at 2 p.m., and a no-host reception at Eagles Dare Restaurant at 5 p.m.

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News Roundup

Local

• A trial is underway for a man accused of the 2020 murder of a UNC-Wilmington student, with proceedings detailed. (source: WECT).

• Emsley A. Laney High School’s track coach suffered a heart attack, prompting concern and support from the school community. WECT

• Wilmington’s St. Patrick’s Day parade is set for March 15, promising a festive celebration for residents and visitors. WECT

• Cyclone 8 Damage Estimate: The National Weather Service reports $50-100 million in damages from Potential Tropical Cyclone 8, which battered the region last week (WECT).

What you need to know

• WECT addresses viewer questions about a severe weather threat expected on Wednesday, providing updates and safety information. WECT

What Might Surprise you

• Bongino’s FBI Claim: Radio host Dan Bongino alleges the FBI mishandled a January 6th pipe bomb case, stirring fresh controversy (CNN).

• Trump’s Taliban Demand: Trump has demanded the Taliban return $7 billion in U.S. military equipment left in Afghanistan, escalating rhetoric (Albawaba).

National

• Honda Shifts Civic Production: Honda will build its next Civic in Indiana instead of Mexico, citing U.S. tariff pressures (Reuters).

World

• Calls are growing in Germany to reinstate military service, reflecting concerns over national security and preparedness. Barron’s

Weather

Summary

Wilmington, NC, will experience mild early spring weather from March 5 to March 7, 2025, but conditions could turn dangerous on March 5 due to severe weather threats. On March 5, a Tornado Watch is in effect until 1:00 PM EST, issued by the National Weather Service in Wilmington, indicating favorable conditions for severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, with damaging wind gusts of 60+ mph and a few possible tornadoes as the primary hazards. Expect partly cloudy skies with a warming trend thereafter, temperatures rising from the low 60s on March 5 to the upper 60s by March 7, and minimal rain chances following the morning and afternoon storms on March 5. Tides will follow a typical pattern with highs around 4-5 ft and lows near 0 ft, while surf conditions will improve slightly over the period, with wave heights of 2-4 ft, shifting swells, and moderate winds creating fair to good conditions for surfing by March 6-7.

Weather Forecast

• Wed 05: Partly Cloudy | 62° / 47° | 10% | SW 8-12 mph

• Thu 06: Mostly Sunny | 65° / 50° | 15% | S 10-15 mph

• Fri 07: Partly Cloudy | 68° / 52° | 20% | SW 10-15 mph

Tide Forecast

Wed 05

• 6:15 AM: 4.3 ft (High Tide)

• 12:30 PM: 0.1 ft (Low Tide)

• 6:40 PM: 3.8 ft (High Tide)

• 12:45 AM: 0.0 ft (Low Tide)

Thu 06

• 7:00 AM: 4.4 ft (High Tide)

• 1:15 PM: 0.0 ft (Low Tide)

• 7:25 PM: 4.0 ft (High Tide)

• 1:30 AM: -0.1 ft (Low Tide)

Fri 07

• 7:45 AM: 4.5 ft (High Tide)

• 2:00 PM: -0.1 ft (Low Tide)

• 8:10 PM: 4.2 ft (High Tide)

Surf Forecast

• Wed 05: 2-3 ft waves, SE swell, SW wind 8-12 mph, fair, slightly choppy

• Thu 06: 2-4 ft waves, E swell, S wind 10-15 mph, fair-good, improving later

• Fri 07: 2-3 ft waves, SE swell, SW wind 10-15 mph, good, clean conditions

Wednesday

Thursday

FRIDAY