Beach Hazards Statement Issued for North Carolina Coast Through Tonight
Strong longshore currents will create dangerous swimming conditions along North Carolina beaches from Cape Hatteras to Surf City through Friday evening.
MOREHEAD CITY, NORTH CAROLINA — The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement for a 120-mile stretch of North Carolina coastline, warning beachgoers of dangerous swimming conditions caused by strong longshore currents in the surf zone.
The statement, issued at 4:30 a.m. Friday by the NWS Newport/Morehead City office, affects beaches from Cape Hatteras to Surf City and remains in effect from 8 a.m. through 8 p.m. today.
Dangerous Swimming Conditions Expected
According to the weather service, strong longshore currents will create hazardous conditions for swimmers throughout the day. These powerful currents flow parallel to the shoreline and can quickly carry swimmers away from their intended location along the beach.
The currents pose significant risks to inexperienced swimmers and can catch even strong swimmers off guard. Beachgoers are advised to exercise extreme caution when entering the water during the hazardous period.
Affected Areas
The beach hazards statement covers the entire Outer Banks region from Cape Hatteras National Seashore down through Surf City in Pender County. This includes popular beach destinations such as Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Duck, Corolla, Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, Hatteras, Ocracoke, Portsmouth Island, and all beaches extending south to Surf City.
The affected coastline represents some of North Carolina’s most visited beach areas, drawing thousands of tourists and residents during the summer season.
Safety Recommendations
Beach safety officials recommend that swimmers stay close to shore and swim near lifeguarded areas when possible during the hazardous conditions. Parents should closely supervise children near the water, and inexperienced swimmers should consider avoiding ocean swimming entirely until conditions improve.
Longshore currents are formed when waves approach the beach at an angle, creating a river-like flow of water that moves parallel to the shoreline. While not as dangerous as rip currents that pull swimmers directly away from shore, longshore currents can transport swimmers significant distances along the beach before they realize what has happened.
The weather service statement expires at 8 p.m. Friday, though beachgoers should continue to monitor local conditions and any updated advisories from the National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City office.
