North Carolina Moderate Beach Hazards Statement | Effective 07/21/2026 08:20

Headline: 
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 21 at 11:20AM EDT until July 21 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
Event: 
Beach Hazards Statement
Urgency: 
Expected
Effective: 
July 21, 2026 - 8:20am
Expires: 
July 21, 2026 - 5:00pm
Description: 
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents and strong longshore currents in the surf zone. * WHERE...For the dangerous rip currents, the beaches from Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout, and Bogue Banks beaches. For the strong longshore currents in the surf zone, the beaches from Cape Hatteras to Bogue Inlet. * WHEN...From 8 AM EDT this morning through this evening. * IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. Strong longshore currents will create dangerous swimming conditions.
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. 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.
Area Description: 
West Carteret; East Carteret; Ocracoke Island; Hatteras Island
Forcast Office: 
NWS Newport/Morehead City NC