Tropical systems will bring elevated risk of rip currents, possible beach erosion this week

Prolonged dangerous rip currents/surf conditions and beach erosion will begin Monday and continue through the coming week as Hurricane Franklin passes offshore, per an update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City office.

Localized ocean overwash along the Outer Banks is also possible during this time. There is a moderate risk of rip currents forecast for Sunday, August 27, on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands.

Additionally, Tropical Depression 10 (TD 10) has formed in the Gulf of Mexico. The current expectation is for this system to strengthen into Hurricane Idalia as it crosses the eastern Gulf of Mexico, then gradually weaken as it moves across the Southeast over the coming week.

Impacts to eastern North Carolina from what is currently TD 10 could occur mid-to-late week, but the extent of any impacts is very uncertain at this point and largely track and intensity-dependent.

Regardless of what TD10 does next week, there will be a prolonged period of dangerous surf conditions at area beaches starting Monday and continuing through next weekend.

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 shoreline. Visitors can also sign up for text alerts from Dare County, ocean rescue agencies, and the National Weather Service by texting “OBXBeachConditions” to 77295.

Remember that the forecast will continue to be refined, and the public can check for updates on the NWS Newport/Morehead office’s website at weather.gov/mhx/tropical.