Modeate risk of rip currents continues on Monday for southern Hatteras Island, Ocracoke Island

After a weekend of rough surf and an elevated rip current threat due to Hurricane Herni, a moderate risk of rip currents continues on Monday, August 23, for southern Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island, per a recent update from the National Weather Service.

A moderate risk of rip currents is in effect for all Outer Banks beaches south of Cape Point in Buxton, as well as for all beaches on Ocracoke Island. A “moderate risk” means that life-threatening rip currents are possible, and the public is advised to swim near a lifeguard and use caution when entering the ocean waters.

The public is advised to check surf and swimming conditions before heading to the beach, and to stay completely out of the water when a high risk of rip currents is present. The daily beach forecast at www.weather.gov/beach/mhx includes rip current risk levels and information about other hazards along the beach. In addition, visitors are encouraged to sign up for text alerts from Outer Banks lifeguards, ocean rescue agencies, and the National Weather Service by texting “OBXBeachConditions” to 77295.

For more information on the local forecast, visit www.weather.gov/mhx for general weather information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport / Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.