High risk of rip currents in effect for the Outer Banks on Monday

A high risk of rip currents is expected for the Outer Banks on Monday due to a low pressure system off the Southeast coast that could become a tropical depression soon, per a recent update from the National Weather Service.

Though no major or direct impacts are expected from the system, a high risk of rip currents is in effect for all Outer Banks beaches on both Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island for Monday. A “high risk” means 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 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/.