MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. – Eastern North Carolina begins the week with unsettled conditions, and by Wednesday, October 1, the coast faces growing risks from heavy surf and minor flooding. Drivers and beachgoers should prepare now, as rough seas and rain could create dangerous conditions midweek.
According to the National Weather Service office in Newport, rip currents will increase Monday through Wednesday as swells from distant Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto reach the coast. Beach towns from Morehead City to Emerald Isle, as well as U.S. Highway 70 in Carteret County, could see standing water and hazardous travel conditions during high tide.
Scattered showers will keep roads slick in Morehead City, Havelock and Newport through Tuesday. Breezy conditions will develop by Wednesday, when gusts up to 20 mph may combine with strong surf. The risk of minor coastal flooding peaks mid to late week, especially in low-lying communities along Bogue Sound and the Crystal Coast.
Residents are urged to avoid swimming at unguarded beaches, secure outdoor items ahead of increasing winds, and allow extra travel time during peak rainfall. Emergency officials remind coastal visitors to respect red flags posted by lifeguards and avoid entering rough surf.
The unsettled pattern will ease late week, with drier conditions expected by Thursday and Friday. However, forecasters warn that long-period swells could continue to bring dangerous rip currents even after skies clear.
More advisories may be issued as October begins, with updates expected daily from the National Weather Service.
Five Day Forecast for Morehead City, NC
- Monday: High 80, showers likely, breezy at times.
- Tuesday: High 75, chance of showers, north winds up to 15 mph.
- Wednesday: High 75, partly sunny, breezy, rip current risk.
- Thursday: High 73, mostly sunny, calming winds.
- Friday: High 77, partly cloudy, low rip current risk.
