News Summary
The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement for the North Carolina coast, warning of life-threatening rip currents. This alert, effective until 8 p.m., aims to protect beachgoers, advising all swimmers to stay out of the water. Lifeguards are on high alert following recent drownings, and beach conditions are currently hazardous. The rip current risk ranges from high along the Northern Outer Banks to low in specific areas, emphasizing the need for caution among those looking to enjoy the beach.
Newport, North Carolina – The National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City has issued a beach hazards statement warning of life-threatening rip currents along the North Carolina coast. The alert, released at 12:08 p.m. on Thursday, is in effect until 8 p.m. for the Northern Outer Banks and Hatteras Island, cautioning beachgoers about the potential dangers of these strong currents.
The NWS has specifically highlighted that rip currents can easily sweep even experienced swimmers away from the shore into deeper water. As a result, they are advising all beachgoers, regardless of their swimming skills, to stay out of the water. In response to the hazardous conditions, Tom Gill, President and Chief of Lifesaving Services, has stated that only swimmers up to their waist are currently permitted in the water until conditions improve.
Lifeguards along the coast are on high alert due to the increased risk of rip currents, which extend from Virginia Beach Oceanfront to Cape Lookout and Morehead City. In Virginia Beach, warning flags have been raised, indicating the high risk, and beachgoers are encouraged to check in with lifeguards for updates on water conditions.
The situation is compounded by recent tragic events. A 67-year-old man from New York drowned following a water-related incident near Cape Hatteras National Seashore. He was found unresponsive face down in the water after swimming without flotation assistance. Although CPR was attempted, the man did not survive. Interestingly, while the rip current forecast was moderate for the Frisco area where the incident occurred, no rip currents were reported at that time.
The NWS has classified the rip current risk across the Northern Outer Banks as high, particularly from Duck to Hatteras. The risk decreases to low from Frisco to Ocracoke, while a moderate risk remains from Ocracoke to Cape Lookout. The Crystal Coast is currently experiencing the lowest level of rip current risk.
Rip currents are defined as powerful currents flowing away from the shore, capable of pulling individuals into deeper waters. In the event of being caught in a rip current, individuals should remain calm, call for help, and swim parallel to the shore. If they are unable to escape, they are advised to swim toward deeper waters until they can break free from the current.
In addition to personal safety measures, beachgoers are encouraged to practice extreme caution when entering the surf and to only swim in the presence of a lifeguard. Current water conditions include choppy waves and temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with low tide in Virginia Beach scheduled for 1:05 p.m.
This latest advisory serves as a critical reminder of the dangers that rip currents pose to swimmers, urging all beachgoers to prioritize safety as they enjoy North Carolina’s beautiful coastline.
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Additional Resources
- WITN News
- Wikipedia: Rip Current
- News Observer
- Google Search: Rip Currents North Carolina
- Spectrum Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Oceanography
- WFMY News 2
- Google News: Rip Current Deaths North Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
