Morehead City, N.C. – Powerful surf will batter the North Carolina coast early next week as swells from Tropical Storm Humberto push 12- to 15-foot waves toward the Outer Banks by Tuesday. The threat increases Monday, with peak impacts expected through Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service office in Morehead City, Humberto will stay offshore but generate long-period swells up to 16 seconds. This raises the risk of dangerous rip currents, ocean overwash on barrier islands, and possible coastal flooding in low-lying areas.
Communities from Cape Hatteras to Emerald Isle should prepare for hazardous beach conditions, while offshore buoys near The Big Rock and The Point could register the highest wave heights. Visitors are urged to avoid swimming and heed red flag warnings as lifeguards anticipate stronger-than-normal rip currents.
While inland effects remain uncertain, forecasters note another disturbance near the Bahamas could add to the coastal threat by late week. Officials warn beachgoers and boaters to stay alert as conditions evolve.
Hazards from Humberto’s swell are expected to last through midweek, with additional advisories possible if the second system develops.
