Beach Hazards Statement

* WHAT...For the first Beach Hazards Statement, dangerous rip currents. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves peaking at 10 to 15 feet expected in the surf zone. For the second Beach Hazards Statement, dangerous rip currents and large breaking waves north of Cape Hatteras. Dangerous rip currents, large breaking waves, and strong longshore currents in the surf zone south of Cape Hatteras. For the Coastal Flood Warning, 2 to 4 feet of inundation above ground level expected in low- lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Up to 1 foot of inundation is possible for sound-side flooding from Buxton southward when winds become more northerly late Thursday and Friday.

* WHERE...Hatteras Island.

* WHEN...For the first Beach Hazards Statement, until 8 PM EDT this evening. For the High Surf Advisory, from 4 AM Wednesday to 8 PM EDT Saturday. For the second Beach Hazards Statement, from Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening. For the Coastal Flood Warning, from 2 PM Wednesday to 11 PM EDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Numerous roads may be closed. Portions of Highway 12 will be inundated. Low lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure will be inundated. 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 head first into the bottom causing neck and back injuries. Strong longshore currents will create dangerous swimming conditions.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Prolonged nature of the event will continue to erode dune structures. Winds and waves are forecast to peak latter half of Thursday.