Newport, North Carolina – Large, dangerous ocean swells from distant Hurricane Erin are set to reach the North Carolina coast as early as Sunday night, with conditions expected to worsen through midweek. Residents and beachgoers from Morehead City to the Outer Banks should prepare for elevated tides, hazardous surf, and possible coastal flooding.
According to the National Weather Service in Morehead City, the long-period swell will coincide with higher-than-normal astronomical tides, intensifying the risk of ocean overwash, beach erosion, and localized flooding in low-lying coastal zones. These impacts will likely peak between Tuesday and Wednesday, though marine conditions are expected to remain unstable into late next week.
Communities across Carteret and Dare counties, as well as popular beach towns like Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle, should anticipate deteriorating swimming and boating conditions. A heightened rip current threat will persist throughout the week, and officials urge residents to avoid entering the surf and to monitor local advisories closely.
Spotter activation is not expected at this time, but further alerts may be issued if conditions worsen or Erin tracks closer to shore.
Five-Day Forecast for Newport, NC:
- Saturday: Chance of showers, high near 88°F.
- Sunday: Sunny, high near 89°F. Rip current risk begins.
- Monday: Sunny, high near 88°F. Swell builds.
- Tuesday: Chance of storms after 2 p.m., high near 86°F. Coastal impacts peak.
- Wednesday: Sunny, high near 85°F. Dangerous surf continues.
