High rip current risk in effect for southern OBX; Severe thunderstorms possible through Sunday night

A high risk of rip currents is in effect for southern Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island on Sunday, while severe thunderstorms remain possible through Sunday night, per a recent update from the National Weather Service Newport / Morehead City office.

Rip currents remain a threat throughout Sunday for beachgoers on the southern Outer Banks, with a high risk forecasted for beaches south of Cape Hatteras in Buxton. 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.

An active weather week lies ahead, starting with a threat of severe thunderstorms which will linger into Sunday afternoon and evening. Damaging wind gusts, hail, and an isolated tornado or waterspout is possible, and the public is advised to have multiple ways to receive warnings.

Folks can stay informed on rip current and weather threats by signing by for the OBXAlerts system from Dare County, which provides both emergency and routine alerts for the Outer Banks. Anyone can sign up for OBXAlerts via this link, and can select the alerts and notifications they wish to receive.

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