Morehead City, NC – Morning waves crash hard against the Crystal Coast shoreline this Halloween, with rip currents and large breakers creating dangerous surf for swimmers and surfers. The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City has issued a Beach Hazards Statement through Friday evening, warning that even experienced swimmers could be swept from shore into deeper waters.
The hazard zone includes Carteret and Onslow counties, stretching from Emerald Isle to Atlantic Beach and up toward Cape Lookout National Seashore. Forecasters say breaking waves and rip currents could persist through the afternoon before easing late tonight. Beachgoers are urged to stay out of the surf zone and avoid wading beyond knee-deep water. If caught in a rip current, swimmers should remain calm and swim parallel to shore until free from the pull.
Elsewhere across eastern North Carolina, conditions remain calm and seasonably warm, with highs near 67°F today under mostly sunny skies. The weekend brings a quiet, dry pattern — Saturday stays sunny and 64°F, while Sunday sees a few clouds and light showers possible late in the day.
Looking ahead, Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, bringing earlier sunsets but pleasant weather for early November. Temperatures will hold in the mid to upper 60s early next week with plenty of sunshine — a welcome break after today’s rough seas.
