North Carolina Moderate Beach Hazards Statement | Effective 09/26/2026 10:56

Headline: 
Beach Hazards Statement issued September 26 at 1:56PM EDT until September 26 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
Event: 
Beach Hazards Statement
Urgency: 
Expected
Effective: 
September 26, 2026 - 10:56am
Expires: 
September 26, 2026 - 9:00pm
Description: 
* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Warning, up to 2 to 4 feet of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. For the Beach Hazards Statement, dangerous rip currents and large breaking waves expected in the surf zone. * WHERE...Ocracoke Island. * WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Warning, until midnight EDT tonight. For the Beach Hazards Statement, until 8 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Some roads may be closed. Portions of Highway 12 remain closed between Pony Pens and the ferry dock. Low lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure will be inundated. Dangerous surf conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The next high tide is around 8 PM tonight. The most likely time for strong rip currents to occur is a couple hours either side of low tide, which will occur around 2 PM Saturday.
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. 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.
Area Description: 
Ocracoke Island
Forcast Office: 
NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
Sender: 
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov