Morehead City, NC – Coastal communities in eastern North Carolina are facing continued dangerous beach conditions today, October 2, despite otherwise pleasant weather inland. Highs are expected in the mid-70s under partly cloudy skies, but large swells and coastal flooding remain a significant threat along the Outer Banks and nearby beaches.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City, northeast winds will ease through Thursday, but ocean swells will persist, bringing the risk of beach erosion, rip currents, and ocean overwash in vulnerable locations. Flooding of 1 to 3 feet above ground level is possible in some areas, with NC-12 potentially impassable in sections where dune structures are weak.
The NWS issued several hazard warnings:
- High rip current risk from Duck to Cape Lookout and in Onslow County.
- Moderate rip current risk from Cape Lookout to Bogue Inlet.
- High surf advisory for areas north of Cape Lookout.
Hatteras Island and Ocracoke remain the most vulnerable to coastal flooding and overwash. Residents and visitors are urged to use caution and avoid entering the surf, as conditions remain life-threatening even for experienced swimmers.
Forecasters expect swells to gradually diminish heading into the weekend, but localized flooding and dangerous surf could continue until then.
