Heavy rain continues through Wilmington area as storm passes through, sunny outlook for Monday

After reports of cold rain Sunday morning, forecasters are predicting a soggy day for the Wilmington area, with warmer temperatures above freezing - but threats still remain as the storm system passes through.

According to Wilmington National Weather Service (NWS), residents can expect strong gusty winds, coastal flooding, dangerous marine conditions, and threats of severe thunderstorms along the coast.

Earlier during the day, a winter weather advisory was in effect for the area, with reports of light freezing rain. Now, officials are monitoring conditions for portions of New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties. Before 1 p.m. a hazardous weather outlook reported that damaging winds are the greatest concern, though tornadoes cannot be ruled out.

Rachel Zouzias, a meteorologist with the Wilmington Weather Center, said there is a high surf advisory for waves over six feet and a gale warning for gusts of wind more than 40 mph over the marine areas. Zouzias said there will also be strong on-shore and off-shore winds.

"There will be periods of rain tonight and gusty winds as the storm system lifts off to the northeast through the Carolinas," Zouzias said about Sunday night through Monday morning."

Related: Weekend weather update: Snow, freezing rain unlikely in Wilmington area

According to the today's forecast for Wilmington, the high will be near 52 degrees with patchy fog. Temperatures will drop to 36 tonight, with rain continuing before midnight. For Monday, the forecast is mostly sunny with a high near 48.

Zouzias is asking the public to keep up with changing weather conditions, advisories, and watches throughout the day. Additional information is available through the Wilmington NWS social media outlets on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Reports for the area are also available online at www.weather.gov/ilm.

"People should remain up-to-date and keep an eye on the weather," she said. "There may be some minor flooding in the area, but the threat of freezing rain and any ice accumulations will be over with as of now. The temperatures are reaching above freezing, so that threat to our area will be done."

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington, NC hazardous outlook in effect with rain, wind gusts