Morehead City, North Carolina – Swimmers heading to Eastern North Carolina beaches today face a high risk of life-threatening rip currents due to strong winds and swells. This danger is concentrated across most of the region’s coastline, urging extreme caution for anyone entering the water.
According to the US National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC, a “High Risk of Rip Currents” is in effect for Thursday, June 19th. This means that life-threatening rip currents are likely to occur in the surf zone, posing a significant threat to beachgoers seeking to escape the heat.
Specific areas under the high-risk warning include popular destinations like Duck, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and Coquina Beach. Further south, Pea Island, Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, Hatteras Village, and Ocracoke are also under the highest alert. Along the southern coast, Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Indian Beach, Emerald Isle, Hammocks Beach, and North Topsail Beach are expected to see dangerous conditions. Even areas with a “Low” risk, such as near jetties and piers, could still experience life-threatening rip currents.
Beach safety officials advise against swimming in these conditions. If caught in a rip current, remember to remain calm, float, and yell for help. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then swim back to the beach. Stay off the beach if you are not a strong swimmer.
The high rip current risk remains in effect throughout Thursday, June 19th. Authorities will continue to monitor conditions, and further advisories may be issued.
