Morehead City, North Carolina – Mariners along the North Carolina coast are urged to remain in port as dangerous conditions intensify through the weekend, with a Gale Watch and Small Craft Advisories spanning from Oregon Inlet down to Surf City. Gusty northeast winds and building seas are expected to create hazardous conditions, especially Saturday afternoon and night, threatening the safety of even experienced boaters.
According to the National Weather Service in Morehead City, Small Craft Advisories begin at 8 p.m. Friday for Pamlico Sound and areas south of Oregon Inlet, with northeast winds ranging from 15 to 25 knots and gusts up to 30 knots. Seas will climb from 4 to 7 feet by Saturday morning. A Gale Watch follows Saturday afternoon through late Saturday night, bringing winds up to 35 knots and seas potentially reaching 10 feet in exposed waters.
Critical impacts are expected from Oregon Inlet to Ocracoke Inlet, Pamlico Sound, and waters down to Surf City. Hazardous conditions could capsize small vessels, swamp decks, and significantly reduce visibility. The National Park Service and Coast Guard urge all mariners to secure their boats, delay departures, and monitor marine radio for updates. Navigation through Hatteras Inlet and along the Outer Banks could be extremely treacherous.
Small Craft Advisory conditions are likely to persist into Monday, regardless of the Gale Watch’s end. Additional advisories may be issued as the system lingers offshore.
