Flood Watch, high risk of rip currents remain in effect on Friday as Debby moves away from N.C.

Tropical Storm Debby will continue to accelerate away from North Carolina on Friday, however, additional periods of heavy rain will be possible into the weekend as a cold front moves into the eastern N.C. area and stalls.

Along the Outer Banks, additional rainfall amounts of around 1-3 inches will be possible through Saturday. Heavy rainfall rates will maintain the threat of flash flooding throughout the day, and a Flood Watch remains in effect for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands until 8:00 p.m. on Friday.

Dangerous rip currents, large breaking waves, and strong longshore currents are expected to continue through the weekend along the beaches.

A high risk of rip currents is in effect for all Outer Banks beaches for Friday, with dangerous 3-7 foot waves in the surf zone. A high risk of rip currents means that the surf zone is dangerous for all levels of swimmers, and beachgoers should stay out of the water.

• The public should check surf and swimming conditions before heading to the beach, and the daily beach forecast at weather.gov/beach/mhxincludes rip current risk levels, and information about other hazards along the shoreline.
• For rip current information and other beach hazards, sign up for text alerts from Dare County, ocean rescue agencies, and the National Weather Service by texting “OBXBeachConditions” to 77295.
• The public can also visit Dare County’s Love The Beach, Respect The Oceanwebsite for current risks and additional info about rip current safety.
• For more information on the local forecast, visit weather.gov/mhxfor general weather information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport / Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.