Morehead City, N.C. – Boaters and beachgoers along the North Carolina coast are facing hazardous conditions tonight as strong northeast winds drive waves as high as 12 feet offshore and gusts near 40 mph. The most dangerous seas are building near Diamond Shoals and The Point, where marine travel could be treacherous.
According to the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, the region is caught between high pressure to the north and a stalled offshore front. This setup is producing persistent northeast winds that will continue through late tonight, especially along the Outer Banks and open waters east of Cape Hatteras.
Pamlico and Albemarle sounds will see choppy conditions, with waves of 3 to 4 feet and gusts up to 35 mph. The Neuse River is also expected to churn, where gusts near 30 mph could impact ferry operations and small craft. Farther offshore, locations such as The Big Rock and Atlas Tanker are seeing seas between 7 and 10 feet, while inshore waters remain rough but more manageable.
Residents and visitors are urged to avoid non-essential boating, secure docks and equipment, and stay off exposed piers until conditions ease. Strong rip currents will also make swimming highly dangerous.
Advisories remain in effect through tonight, with updates possible if winds persist into Wednesday.
