Beach Hazards Statement issued September 24 at 2:39PM EDT until September 24 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC

**Beach Hazards Statement issued September 24 at 2:39PM EDT until September 24 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC**

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to 1 to 2 feet of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. For the Beach Hazards Statement, dangerous rip currents, large breaking waves, and strong longshore currents in the surf zone.

* WHERE...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, areas adjacent to the Southern Pamlico Sound and adjacent tidal creeks. This would include areas extending from Cedar Island to Merrimon including South River. Areas adjacent to Core Sound could possibly see some elevated water levels as well impacting areas from Marshallberg to Atlantic. For the Beach Hazards Statement, beaches north of Cape Lookout.

* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 11 AM EDT Friday. For the Beach Hazards Statement, until 8 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Up to 1 to 2 feet of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways resulting in a low threat of property damage. Some roads and low lying property including parking lots, parks, lawns, and homes adjacent to the waterfront will experience shallow flooding. 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.

**What You Should Do:**

If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.

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.

**Alert Details:**

- **Severity:** Moderate

- **Urgency:** Expected

- **Issued by:** NWS Newport/Morehead City NC

- **Effective:** Sep 24, 2026 2:39 PM UTC

- **Expires:** Sep 25, 2026 5:00 AM UTC

*This alert was automatically distributed from the National Weather Service via the IPAWS All-Hazards Information Feed.*