North Carolina Beach Hazards Statement | Effective 04/27/2026 17:23

Headline: 
Beach Hazards Statement issued April 27 at 8:23PM EDT until April 28 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
Event: 
Beach Hazards Statement
Urgency: 
Expected
Effective: 
April 27, 2026 - 5:23pm
Expires: 
April 28, 2026 - 5:30am
Description: 
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents and large breaking waves expected in the surf zone. * WHERE...The beaches north of Cape Hatteras. * WHEN...From 8 AM EDT Tuesday through Tuesday evening. * IMPACTS...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. * 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 11:45 AM Tuesday.
Instruction: 
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.
Area Description: 
Northern Outer Banks; Hatteras Island
Forcast Office: 
NWS Newport/Morehead City NC