Washington, DC – Hurricane-force winds and seas exceeding 20 feet are expected through Thursday off the North Carolina coast, prompting a hurricane warning for waters from Hatteras Canyon to Cape Fear, 100 to 250 nautical miles offshore.
According to the National Weather Service, winds will intensify to 80 to 95 knots (up to 109 mph) by Wednesday night, with seas building to a staggering 24 feet. Conditions will remain dangerous through Thursday as the storm system continues tracking northward, affecting commercial and recreational vessels.
Mariners from Oregon Inlet to Cape Fear are urged to avoid all offshore travel and secure vessels immediately. The most severe weather is forecast late Wednesday into Thursday night, when seas will peak between 18 to 24 feet and winds may gust over 100 mph. Even closer to shore, seas will remain rough with dangerous rip currents and increased swells.
Small craft should remain in port, and offshore operations are advised to suspend activity. These hurricane conditions mirror patterns last seen in the 2020 offshore storm season.
Hazardous conditions are expected to continue into Friday, with lingering seas above 10 feet and sustained winds up to 50 knots.
