High Surf Advisory Issued for North Carolina Beaches Through Wednesday Morning
Dangerous 7-9 foot waves prompt safety warnings for Outer Banks beaches through Wednesday morning, with peak rip current risk around afternoon low tide.
MOREHEAD CITY, NORTH CAROLINA — The National Weather Service issued a High Surf Advisory for beaches north of Cape Hatteras, in effect until 8:00 AM Wednesday, warning of dangerous swimming and surfing conditions along the North Carolina coast.
Large breaking waves of 7 to 9 feet are forecast in the surf zone, creating hazardous conditions for beachgoers. The advisory, first issued Monday at 3:15 PM and updated Tuesday at 7:57 PM, affects all beaches from the northern Outer Banks extending north of Cape Hatteras.
Dangerous Swimming Conditions Expected
The National Weather Service warns that dangerous rip currents will accompany the large waves, creating conditions that can sweep even experienced swimmers away from shore into deeper water. Officials also caution about dangerous shore break that can throw swimmers or surfers head first into the ocean bottom, potentially causing serious neck and back injuries.
Strong longshore currents will add to the dangerous swimming conditions, according to the weather service. The combination of high surf and strong currents is expected to cause localized beach erosion along affected areas.
Peak Danger Times Identified
Weather officials noted that the most likely time for strong rip currents to occur will be a couple of hours on either side of low tide, which is expected around 4:00 PM Wednesday. Beachgoers are advised to exercise extreme caution during these peak danger periods.
After the High Surf Advisory expires Wednesday morning, a Beach Hazards Statement will remain in effect through Wednesday evening, continuing to warn of dangerous rip currents and large breaking waves in the surf zone.
The National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City office is monitoring conditions and may extend or modify warnings based on changing weather patterns. Beach visitors are encouraged to check current conditions before entering the water and to swim only at beaches with lifeguards present.
