Beach Hazards Statement: Dangerous Rip Currents Expected North of Cape Hatteras
National Weather Service warns swimmers to avoid dangerous rip currents along Outer Banks beaches north of Cape Hatteras through Thursday evening.
CAPE HATTERAS, NORTH CAROLINA — The National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazards Statement Thursday morning warning of dangerous rip currents along beaches north of Cape Hatteras, with conditions expected to persist through Thursday evening.
The hazardous conditions began at 8:00 AM EDT and will continue until 8:00 PM EDT, according to the Newport/Morehead City office of the National Weather Service. The warning affects all beaches located north of Cape Hatteras along North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
Peak Danger Around Low Tide
Weather officials warn that rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmers away from shore into deeper water. The most dangerous conditions are expected to occur within a couple hours on either side of low tide, which is scheduled for approximately 2:00 PM Thursday.
Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing away from shore that can quickly carry swimmers into deeper waters. These currents can move at speeds faster than an Olympic swimmer and are responsible for numerous water rescues along the North Carolina coast each year.
Safety Recommendations
Beach visitors are advised to check local conditions before entering the water and to swim only in areas with lifeguard supervision when possible. If caught in a rip current, swimmers should not attempt to swim directly back to shore against the current.
Instead, officials recommend swimming parallel to the shoreline until escaping the current’s pull, then swimming at an angle back toward shore. Those unable to escape should wave and call for help while floating or treading water.
Ongoing Beach Monitoring
The Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect as meteorologists continue monitoring surf and wind conditions along the Outer Banks. Beachgoers should remain alert to changing conditions throughout the day and follow any additional guidance from local emergency management officials.
The warning specifically targets the popular tourist areas north of Cape Hatteras, including beaches in Dare County that attract thousands of visitors during the spring and summer months.
