Headline:
Beach Hazards Statement issued April 8 at 4:21AM EDT until April 8 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
Event:
Beach Hazards Statement
Urgency:
Expected
Effective:
April 8, 2026 - 1:21am
Expires:
April 8, 2026 - 1:30pm
Description:
* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement, dangerous rip currents,
large breaking waves expected, and strong longshore currents
near the shore. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking
waves of 3 to 8 feet expected in the surf zone.
* WHERE...Ocracoke Island and Core Banks beaches.
* WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement, from 8 AM EDT this
morning through this evening. For the High Surf Advisory, from
noon today to 11 AM EDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS...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...High surf and dangerous rip currents may
linger beyond Thursday morning. The most likely time for strong
rip currents to occur is a couple of hours either side of low
tide, which will occur around 6:30 AM and 6:30 PM.
Instruction:
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:
East Carteret; Ocracoke Island
Forcast Office:
NWS Newport/Morehead City NC