A high risk of rip currents is in effect for beaches south of Cape Hatteras, while a moderate threat of rip currents is forecasted for northern Hatteras Island beaches, per a Wednesday morning update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport / Morehead City office.
A high risk of rip currents means that life-threatening rip currents are likely, and the surf zone is dangerous for all levels of swimmers.
The NWS advises beachgoers to be very careful when going into the surf, and to swim near lifeguards if possible. Lifeguards are on duty at four popular Cape Hatteras National Seashore beaches from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, which includes the Coquina Beach Access (Bodie Island), Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Beach Access (Hatteras Island), Frisco Beach Access (Hatteras Island), and Ocracoke Beach Access (Ocracoke Island).
To check the updated beach forecast from the National Weather Service, visit www.weather.gov/beach/mhx. Beach-goers can also text “Join OBXBeachConditions” to 30890 to sign up for text alerts from local Outer Banks Lifeguards on beach conditions.
For more information on the local forecast, visit www.weather.gov/mhx for weather information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport / Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.
