NWS issues Beach Hazards Statement, High Surf and Wind Advisories

By on May 25, 2023

Dare County Emergency Management: High surf and wind advisories have been issued for Dare County, both effective into Saturday. The wind advisory says to expect northeast winds at 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. The high surf advisory is for large breaking waves of 6 to 10 feet on the beaches north of Cape Hatteras.

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On Thursday, May 25, the National Weather Service at Newport/Morehead City issued a Beach Hazards Statement and High Surf Advisory for the Outer Banks beaches north of Cape Hatteras.

The Beach Hazards Statement is in effect until 8 p.m. on May 25. The High Surf Advisory is in effect from Friday, May 26 at 5 p.m. until Saturday, May 27 at 8 p.m.

For the Beach Hazards Statement, expect dangerous rip currents, large breaking waves and strong longshore currents in the surf zone. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 6 to 10 feet are expected in the surf zone.

Impacts include dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. Dangerous shore break can throw a swimmer or surfer headfirst into the bottom causing neck and back injuries. Strong longshore currents will create dangerous swimming conditions. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions.

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.

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