Beach Hazards Statement

* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement, dangerous rip currents and strong longshore currents in the surf zone. 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 when winds become more northerly late Thursday and Friday.

* WHERE...Ocracoke Island.

* WHEN...For the 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. Some shoreline erosion will occur. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. 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.