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Beach Hazards Statement — Ocracoke Island, NC
Issued
7:00 AM CDT · sam., sept. 26 2026
Expires
7:00 PM CDT · sam., sept. 26 2026
Issuing Office
NWS KMHX

Affected Areas

Ocracoke Island, NC

Official Bulletin

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Warning, 2 to 4 feet of inundation
above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines
and tidal waterways. Up to 1 foot of inundation is possible for
sound-side flooding from Buxton southward/westward as strong
NW'rly winds remain in place tonight. For the High Surf
Advisory, large breaking waves of 8 to 12 feet in the surf zone
north of Cape Hatteras. For the Beach Hazards Statement,
dangerous rip currents, large breaking waves expected, and
strong longshore currents in the surf zone.

* WHERE...Hatteras Island. Beach hazard statement for longshore
currents and the high surf advisory is confined to beaches
north of Cape Hatteras.

* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Warning, until 11 AM EDT
Saturday. For the High Surf Advisory, until 8 PM EDT Saturday.
For the Beach Hazards Statement, from 8 AM EDT Saturday
through Saturday evening.

* IMPACTS...Numerous roads may be closed. NC-12 remains closed
from the Basnight Bridge to Rodanthe. Low lying property
including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure
will be inundated. Some shoreline and dune erosion will occur.
Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions. Rip currents can
sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper
water. Dangerous shore break can throw a swimmer or surfer
head first into the bottom causing neck and back injuries.
Strong longshore currents will create dangerous swimming
conditions.


* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The most likely time for strong rip
currents to occur is a couple hours either side of low tide,
which will occur around 1:50 PM Saturday.

Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. If
travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through
water of unknown depth.

Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to
dangerous surf conditions.

Life-threatening rip currents. If caught in a rip current, remain
calm. Swim in a direction following the shoreline. If tired,
float or tread water until out of the rip current. If unable to
escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.

Shore break occurs when waves break directly on the beach. It is
extremely important to protect your head and neck whenever you
are in breaking waves by keeping your hands in front of you at
all times.

Strong longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip
currents, piers, jetties and other hazardous areas. In many
cases, the longshore current is strong enough to prevent swimmers
from being able to keep their feet on the bottom making it
difficult to return to shore.