High risk of rip currents forecast for Tuesday; Ocean overwash possible this week

A high risk of rip currents is in effect from Duck to Cape Lookout on Tuesday, October 26, while beach erosion, rough surf, and ocean overwash is possible from Tuesday night until the end of the week, per a recent update from the National Weather Service.

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 most likely time for strong rip currents to occur is a couple of hours on either side of low tide, which is around 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

Additionally, a cold front will continue to push through eastern North Carolina and offshore this morning, with breezy westerly winds and maximum wind gusts of approximately 35 mph.

A Gale Warning is in effect for the Pamlico Sound from 8 p.m. on Tuesday until 2 a.m. on Wednesday, due to northwest winds of 20 to 30 knots, with gusts up to 35 knots, and very rough waters expected

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/.