Beach Hazards Statement

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents and strong longshore currents in the surf zone.

* WHERE...Hatteras Island beaches.

* WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT 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.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The most likely time for strong rip currents to occur is a couple hours either side of low tide, which occurred around 10:30 AM.