Kill Devil Hills, N.C. – Swimmers and beachgoers along the Outer Banks are urged to stay out of the ocean Monday as dangerous rip currents grip much of the coastline from Duck through Avon. Officials warn life-threatening surf will persist through the evening, particularly on southeast-facing beaches.
According to the National Weather Service office in Newport/Morehead City, strong northeast winds are creating hazardous marine conditions with powerful longshore currents. Areas with the highest risk include Duck, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, Rodanthe, Salvo, Waves, and Avon, where rip currents are most likely to pull swimmers away from shore.
Communities farther south, including Frisco, Ocracoke, Cape Lookout, and North Topsail Beach, face a moderate risk of rip currents. Meanwhile, Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, and Hammocks Beach are seeing a lower threat, though officials caution that dangerous currents can still form near jetties and piers.
Residents and tourists are urged to avoid entering the surf, keep children away from rough waters, and check with local lifeguards for updates. NWS says the risk of rip currents will remain elevated until winds ease later this week.
