Dangerous rip currents and rough surf will peak later this week

Swells from Hurricane Larry continue to impact area beaches this morning, with conditions worsening through Friday evening, per a recent update from the National Weather Service.

Life-threatening rip currents are expected into the weekend, while rough surf conditions are forecast to peak on Friday, particularly for the Outer Banks.

Waves in the surf zone could exceed 8 feet, and rough surf will lead to minor beach erosion and localized overwash of weak/vulnerable dunes, especially on late Thursday and Friday.

A high risk of rip currents is in effect for Wednesday for both Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. A high risk indicated that life-threatening rip currents are likely, and the surf zone is dangerous for all levels of swimmers.

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/.