Headline:
Beach Hazards Statement issued September 26 at 5:44PM EDT until September 26 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
Event:
Beach Hazards Statement
Urgency:
Expected
Effective:
September 26, 2026 - 2:44pm
Expires:
September 27, 2026 - 2:45am
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. For the High Surf Advisory,
large breaking waves of 10 to 14 feet in the surf zone north
of Cape Hatteras. For the Beach Hazards Statement, dangerous
rip currents, large breaking waves expected, and strong
longshore currents in the surf zone.
* WHERE...Hatteras Island. Beach hazard statement for longshore
currents and the high surf advisory is confined to beaches
north of Cape Hatteras.
* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Warning, until midnight EDT
tonight. For the High Surf Advisory, until 8 AM EDT Sunday.
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.
* 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.
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