Beach hazards statement affecting Crystal Coast Thursday

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The NWS Newport/Morehead City NC released a beach hazards statement at 8:14 p.m. on Wednesday valid for Thursday 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 and strong longshore currents in the surf zone," can be expected 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 4 p.m. Thursday."

"Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. Strong longshore currents will create dangerous swimming conditions," adds 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. 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 Thursday at 8 p.m.

Source: The National Weather Service

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This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 8:16 PM.