Morehead City, N.C. – Beachgoers along North Carolina’s coast could face dangerous swimming conditions Monday as the National Weather Service warns of rip currents from Duck south to Cape Lookout.
According to the National Weather Service office in Newport/Morehead City, a Beach Hazards Statement is in effect Monday morning through Monday evening for East Carteret County, the Northern Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island, and Hatteras Island. The strongest rip currents are expected a couple of hours on either side of low tide, which is around 3:24 p.m.
Officials caution that rip currents can quickly pull even experienced swimmers away from shore and into deeper water. Visitors in Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and Avon should swim only at guarded beaches and remain alert to posted warnings.
Safety officials urge swimmers caught in a rip current to stay calm, swim parallel to the shoreline, and avoid exhausting themselves fighting against the current. Those unable to escape should float and signal for help.
Hazardous surf conditions are expected to ease after Monday evening, but additional beach hazard statements may be issued later this week if conditions persist.
