Morehead City, N.C. – Boaters and coastal residents along the Outer Banks should prepare for dangerous thunderstorms through 11 p.m. Friday, as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect across key marine zones.
According to the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 349 includes all adjacent coastal waters from Currituck Beach Light to Surf City, as well as Pamlico Sound, the Neuse and Pungo Rivers, and the Albemarle and Croatan Sounds. Storms may bring wind gusts over 58 mph, frequent lightning, and hail.
Marine areas under the watch include the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary and offshore waters near Cape Hatteras, Ocracoke, and Cape Lookout. Small craft should remain in port, and beachgoers are advised to avoid water activities until the watch expires.
Lightning poses a serious risk for vessels and coastal communities, and sudden squalls may reduce visibility and capsize smaller boats. This threat follows a recent uptick in severe marine weather across eastern North Carolina during late May.
Updates will continue into the evening as the storm line progresses southward. Additional warnings could be issued if conditions intensify. Mariners should monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts for the latest.
