Kitty Hawk, NC – Beachgoers along North Carolina’s Outer Banks are facing a dangerous rip current risk throughout Wednesday, with conditions particularly hazardous near Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, and Buxton.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Newport/Morehead City has issued a warning for high rip current risks fueled by northeasterly winds and higher surf.
Affected Areas
The rip current threat stretches from Southern Shores south to Cape Lookout. High-risk beaches, including Kill Devil Hills, Rodanthe, Avon, and Frisco, are most vulnerable. Moderate threats are present at beaches such as Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach.
Lifeguards are strongly recommending that swimmers stay near lifeguarded areas and always check beach safety flags before entering the water.
Safety Precautions
Rip currents are a serious hazard, and even experienced swimmers can be swept out. Safety officials advise anyone caught in a rip current to swim parallel to the shore until free rather than swimming directly against the current. If escape isn’t possible, floating on your back or waving for help is critical.
Additionally, beachgoers should avoid swimming near piers or jetties, as these areas often have the strongest currents.
Expected Conditions
The high-risk rip current conditions are expected to last until sunset today, with the possibility of additional alerts if winds remain strong. The NWS encourages everyone to keep monitoring local lifeguard updates and NWS advisories for any changes throughout the day.
