Weather
North Carolina Gale Warning Today: Seas Up to 16 Feet Monday Oct 19
Morehead City, NC – Dangerous marine conditions are continuing along North Carolina's coast Sunday, Oct. 18, with gale force wind gusts and offshore seas potentially reaching 16 feet Monday. Boaters,
By Evan Cross · 2026-10-18T09:17:48.420Z
Morehead City, NC – Dangerous marine conditions are continuing along North Carolina's coast Sunday, Oct. 18, with gale force wind gusts and offshore seas potentially reaching 16 feet Monday. Boaters, fishermen and other mariners are being urged to reconsider travel plans as hazardous conditions persist into the workweek.
According to the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, a marine hazards forecast issued at 5 a.m. Sunday shows strong winds and elevated seas continuing through at least Wednesday, particularly along the Outer Banks and offshore waters.
Offshore waves could reach 16 feet Monday
The most significant conditions are forecast from Oregon Inlet northward toward the Virginia border, where offshore seas could reach 11 to 14 feet Sunday before increasing to 13 to 16 feet Monday.
Wind gusts could reach 40 knots Sunday and 45 knots Monday, equivalent to approximately 46 to 52 mph.
Between Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras, offshore seas are forecast at 11 to 15 feet Sunday and 12 to 16 feet Monday, accompanied by gusts reaching 45 knots.
Farther south, waters between Cape Fear and Cape Lookout could experience seas of 8 to 11 feet through Monday, with gusts reaching 40 knots Sunday.
Dangerous conditions extend into midweek
The threat will not immediately disappear after Monday.
Offshore waters near the Outer Banks could continue experiencing gale force gusts Tuesday and Wednesday, with seas remaining elevated.
Pamlico Sound is also expected to experience gusts near 40 knots Sunday and Monday, while portions of the Neuse and Pamlico rivers could see gusts reaching 35 knots Sunday.
Mariners urged to change plans
The National Weather Service advises mariners to alter plans to avoid hazardous gale conditions.
Strong winds and rough seas can make navigation dangerous, especially for smaller vessels.
Coastal residents and visitors should monitor updated marine forecasts, particularly before boating, fishing or traveling across exposed waterways.