Morehead City, N.C. – Boaters along the North Carolina coast will find the best conditions Friday before winds and seas steadily worsen through the weekend, raising risks for small craft.
According to the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, light and variable winds at 5 to 10 knots will keep seas manageable at 2 to 3 feet Friday with only a light chop on inland sounds. Saturday, however, brings a noticeable shift as northeast winds increase to 10 to 20 knots and seas build to 2 to 4 feet offshore, producing moderate chop.
By Sunday, boaters can expect the roughest conditions. Breezy northeast winds of 15 to 25 knots will drive seas up to 4 to 7 feet, with choppy waters across sounds and rivers. The agency warns that small craft could encounter hazardous conditions, particularly in exposed waters near the Outer Banks and Crystal Coast.
Marine officials urge those planning to be on the water to use Friday for any outings, secure vessels ahead of stronger winds, and check for updated advisories through the weekend as conditions may deteriorate faster than expected.
Warnings and marine headlines remain possible through Sunday.
