Wilmington hurricane guide¶
Wilmington is in New Hanover County, where storm surge and flooding from the ocean and the Cape Fear River are the biggest hurricane dangers. The city has its own police and fire departments. Storm alerts, evacuation orders, and shelter openings come from New Hanover County, so sign up for ReadyNHC.
Checked on October 2, 2026
Every phone number and web address on this page was checked against official sources on that date. Details can change, especially during a storm. Always follow instructions from the City of Wilmington. In a life threatening emergency, call 911.
Official website: wilmingtonnc.gov
What to know in Wilmington¶
- After a storm, city crews collect up to 7 cubic yards of yard waste per home from the right-of-way. Cut limbs to no more than 4 feet long and 6 inches across, and bag or box loose leaves and pine straw. The city asks for patience when storms leave large amounts of debris.
Emergency and information numbers¶
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City information line | 910-341-7800 | Main city line. Office line. Not for emergencies. |
| Police non-emergency | 910-452-6120 | For police matters that are not emergencies. |
| Police headquarters | 910-343-3600 | Office line. Not for emergencies. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Streets and sidewalks | 910-341-7879 | Report street problems that are not emergencies. |
Official alerts and information¶
- City of Wilmington e-newsletters: City news by email, by topic. For emergency alerts, sign up for ReadyNHC on the county page. Website.
County services that cover Wilmington¶
New Hanover County manages evacuation zones, evacuation centers, and emergency alerts for everyone who lives in Wilmington. The New Hanover County guide has the full list of county numbers, radio stations, and recovery help.
- Look up your evacuation zone
- Official list of open evacuation centers
- ReadyNHC: Free alerts by text, email, or phone. Sign up before a storm. Text READYNHC to 24639, or LISTONHC to 24639 for alerts in Spanish. Use the online portal to choose alerts for your neighborhood and your language. Website.
- EmergencyNHC.com: The county's official hurricane information page. Evacuations, shelters, and safety instructions are posted here during an emergency. Website.
Power, water and debris¶
- Solid Waste Services (trash, recycling, and yard waste): City yard waste and debris pickup questions. Phone: 910-341-7875. Website.
- Stormwater Services: City storm drains and drainage ditches. Office line. Not for emergencies. Phone: 910-341-4646. Website.
Related guides¶
- Should I evacuate?
- What to expect at a hurricane shelter
- Hurricane supply list
- After a hurricane: the first 24 hours
- Insurance claims and disaster aid
Sources¶
Checked on October 2, 2026. If a number or address here is wrong, please tell us at Keith@KMyers.me.
- https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Services/Solid-Waste-Services/Yard-Waste-Collection
- https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/government/city-of-wilmington-org-chart-and-phone-directory.pdf
- https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Public-Safety/Wilmington-Police-Department
- https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/
- https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Connect-With-Us/Department-Directory
- https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Services/Stormwater
- https://www.nhcgov.com/196/Emergency-Management