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Beach Hazards Statement
ActiveOcracoke Island
Status
In Progress
Started about 2 hours ago
Ends
Issued
Severity
Moderate
Urgency
Expected
Certainty
Likely
Details
* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, 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...Ocracoke Island.
* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 8 AM EDT Thursday. 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. 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...Minor ocean overwash impacts are possible at vulnerable oceanside areas into Thursday morning. Portions of NC-12 may be impacted around high tide. The most likely time for strong rip currents to occur is a couple hours either side of low tide.
Instructions
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.
Data from the National Weather Service
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