High risk of rip currents forecast for Friday as potential tropical system churns offshore
A low pressure system slowly developing off the coast will bring a high threat of rip currents to area beaches on Friday, per a recent update from the National Weather Service.
The low pressure system off the Southeast coast remains unorganized as of Thursday night, though is likely to form into a tropical depression in the next day or so. While the National Hurricane Center maintains a 70 percent chance of formation within the next several days, the system is expected to remain offshore as it progresses northward.
At this time, the only expected impacts for Eastern North Carolina is the risk for dangerous rip currents, (mainly from Duck to Cape Lookout), and rough seas.
The public should check surf and swimming conditions before heading to the beach, and 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 Dare County, 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/.
