Beach hazards statement for Crystal Coast for Friday

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The NWS Newport/Morehead City NC released a beach hazards statement at 8:12 p.m. on Thursday valid for Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The statement is for West Carteret, East Carteret, Coastal Onslow, Ocracoke Island and Hatteras Island.

"Dangerous rip currents, large breaking waves expected, and strong longshore currents in the surf zone," can be anticipated according to the NWS. "The most likely time for strong rip currents to occur is a couple hours either side of low tide, which will occur around 5 p.m. Friday."

"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," explains the NWS. "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."

This statement is in effect until Friday at 8 p.m.

Source: The National Weather Service

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This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 8:18 PM.