Headline:
Beach Hazards Statement issued September 24 at 2:39PM EDT until September 24 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
Event:
Beach Hazards Statement
Urgency:
Expected
Effective:
September 24, 2026 - 11:39am
Expires:
September 25, 2026 - 2:00am
Description:
* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Warning, 2 to 4 feet of inundation
above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines
and tidal waterways. Up to 1 foot of inundation is possible for
sound-side flooding from Buxton southward/westward when winds
become more northerly tonight into Friday. For the High Surf
Advisory, large breaking waves of 12 to 17 feet in the surf
zone. For the Beach Hazards Statements, dangerous rip currents,
large breaking waves, and strong longshore currents in the surf
zone.
* WHERE...Hatteras Island.
* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Warning, until 11 PM EDT Friday.
For the High Surf Advisory, until 8 PM EDT Saturday. For the
Beach Hazards Statement, until 8 PM EDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Numerous roads may be closed. NC-12 remains closed
from the Basnight Bridge to Rodanthe. Low lying property
including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure
will be inundated. Some shoreline and dune erosion will occur.
Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach
erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from
shore into deeper water. Dangerous shore break can throw a
swimmer or surfer head first into the bottom causing neck and
back injuries. Strong longshore currents will create dangerous
swimming conditions.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The next high tide is between 630 to 7 PM
this evening. The most likely time for strong rip currents to
occur is a couple hours either side of low tide.
Instruction:
Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. If
travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through
water of unknown depth.
Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to
dangerous surf conditions.
Life-threatening rip currents. If caught in a rip current, remain
calm. Swim in a direction following the shoreline. If tired,
float or tread water until out of the rip current. If unable to
escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
Shore break occurs when waves break directly on the beach. It is
extremely important to protect your head and neck whenever you
are in breaking waves by keeping your hands in front of you at
all times.
Strong longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip
currents, piers, jetties and other hazardous areas. In many
cases, the longshore current is strong enough to prevent swimmers
from being able to keep their feet on the bottom making it
difficult to return to shore.
Area Description:
Hatteras Island
Forcast Office:
NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
Sender:
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov