Hatteras, NC – Mariners operating off the North Carolina and Mid-Atlantic coast face extremely dangerous conditions tonight and Sunday as hurricane-force winds and massive seas impact offshore waters from Baltimore Canyon to south of Cape Fear.
According to the National Weather Service Ocean Prediction Center, multiple offshore zones are under Hurricane Force Wind Warnings, with sustained winds forecast to reach 60 to 70 knots and seas building as high as 37 feet in some areas.
The most severe conditions are expected across waters 100 to 250 nautical miles offshore, including areas south of Georges Bank and along major Atlantic shipping lanes. Winds are forecast to rapidly intensify tonight, shifting to the north and northwest on Sunday as a powerful storm system moves through the region.
Forecasters also warn of significantly reduced visibility. Periods of rain, scattered thunderstorms, and heavy sea spray could lower visibility to 1 nautical mile or less, especially during peak storm conditions Sunday.
Dangerous marine conditions are expected to persist into early next week. While winds are forecast to gradually weaken Sunday night into Monday, seas will remain hazardous, ranging from 15 to over 30 feet in some zones. Improving conditions are not expected until midweek, with rough seas lingering through Wednesday.
The NWS strongly urges all commercial vessels, fishing crews, and offshore operations to avoid these waters until warnings are lifted, noting the storm poses a serious threat to life and property at sea.
