Tropical Depression 15 forms off of N.C.; High risk of rip currents in effect for Tuesday

Tropical Depression 15 has developed off the coast of eastern North Carolina and is expected to pass offshore tonight, before moving quickly out to sea and potentially strengthening into Tropical Storm Nana, per a Monday afternoon update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport / Morehead City office.

Increased swell from Tropical Depression 15 will bring an elevated rip current risk to area beaches on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands on Tuesday. The strongest rip currents will likely occur within a couple of hours of low tide, which is forecast to occur around 2-3 p.m. on Tuesday

Rip currents will create dangerous conditions for all levels of swimmers, and visitors should use caution and stay out of the ocean waters.  Other than the heightened risk of rip currents, however, no significant impacts are expected for eastern North Carolina from the newly formed Topical Depression 15.

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/.