Beach Hazards Statement 38, NWS Newport/Morehead City, NC

878 
WHUS42 KMHX 190753
CFWMHX

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC
353 AM EDT Fri Jun 19 2026

NCZ195-196-199-204-205-192000-
/O.CON.KMHX.BH.S.0038.260619T1200Z-260620T0000Z/
West Carteret-East Carteret-Coastal Onslow-Ocracoke Island-
Hatteras Island-
353 AM EDT Fri Jun 19 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM EDT THIS
MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents, large breaking waves expected, 
  and strong longshore currents in the surf zone.

* WHERE...For the dangerous rip currents, large breaking waves, 
  and strong longshore currents, the beaches from Cape Hatteras 
  to Surf City. For the strong longshore currents, the beaches 
  from Oregon Inlet to Cape Hatteras.

* WHEN...From 8 AM EDT Friday through Friday evening.

* IMPACTS...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...The most likely time for strong rip
  currents to occur is a couple hours either side of low tide,
  which will occur around 5:00 PM Friday.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.

&&

$$

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC
650 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Low pressure has trended a bit slower for Friday morning.
Increased wind gusts and wave heights into Friday. Increased
PoPs for today and Friday. Increased QPF for today and Friday.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...
1) Showers and Thunderstorms this afternoon and evening

2)Increasing precipitation chances overnight tonight into
Friday ahead of strong front and the remnants of Post Tropical
Storm Arthur.

3) Heat risk today along with fire weather concerns as windy
and dry conditions prevail.

Marine) Gale Warnings and Small Craft Advisories in effect today
into Friday.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1...The outflow from last night's storms well to our
north and west are approaching the region, with showers and
thunderstorms along it. Models have handled this very poorly
today, with essentially all guidance dry at 12Z. Since then
though, current radar data and the 15Z RRFS run have suggested
showers and thunderstorms entering the region this afternoon
and lingering through the evening. Meanwhile, a weak wave moves
in from the south, bringing shower and thunderstorm chances in
the evening from the south. Outside of the RRFS, guidance is
still not showing this, so with decreased confidence on how long
the showers will stick around, elected to cap PoPs at 30%.
Plenty of instability, DCAPEs over 700 J/kg, and modest deep
shear could bring gusty winds in the strongest of storms.

KEY MESSAGE 2...A frontal system approaches from the northwest,
expected to cross the region Friday afternoon/evening. Ahead of
the front moving through, rain chances will increase Friday
early morning onwards as a closed low pressure system from the
remnants of Post Tropical Storm Arthur move through the
Carolinas. The tropical nature of moisture advecting into the
region brings PWATs near 2.2", which is well above average for
eastern NC. In addition, we have modest deep layer shear of
30-40 knots and low level turning of the winds along and to the
east of the path of the low. All this results in a severe
weather threat for eastern NC Friday morning into the early
afternoon. The hazards of note are brief tornadoes, waterspouts,
and gusty winds. In addition, tropical downpours with high rain
rates can be expected. The quick moving nature of the low
precludes any substantial flash flooding concern. SPC has the
area in a marginal risk for severe weather for both tonight and
Friday.

The cold front moves through Friday PM, from NW to SE. With the
low moving through earlier in the day, we will be in a NW flow
regime and have some dry air advecting in ahead of this front
aloft. With that in mind, should any showers and tstorms form
along the front the coverage is expected to be isolated to
scattered at best. IF the updrafts are able to overcome this dry
layer, we will have decent low level lapse rates, deep shear,
and some DCAPE to play with and gusty winds would become a
concern. For now though, given the dry layer capped PoPs at
around 25% along this front.

KEY MESSAGE 3...High temperature this afternoon are expected to
be in the mid to upper 90s. With Tds in the low 70s, heat index
values will hover plus or minus 105F in many areas. Therefore
have decided to keep this heat advisory until 8 PM for all
counties outside of the Outer Banks. As far as fire weather is
concerned, winds ahead of the approaching front will pick up
(gusts 25-30 mph) and RHs 35-45% paired with dry fuels will
present fire weather concerns today. An Increased Fire Danger
statement is in effect for all of ENC except for Onslow and
Carteret counties for today.

The passing front will cool the region down briefly for the
weekend, but medium range guidance suggests excessive heat will
remain a concern early next week with heat index values once
again reaching 100 degrees+.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
Pred VFR conditions through most of tonight, with conditions
deteriorating Friday morning. Tonight, low pressure approaches
from the SW, crossing through the region in the late morning and
afternoon hours Friday. This will bring low ceilings and vis
with periods of heavy rainfall. Widespread sub-VFR likely with
periods of IFR. Despite the more warm nature of the rain
processes, thunder can't be discounted but weak mid- level lapse
rates will make it difficult for any robust lightning producing
storms to exist. Will continue VCTS mention for thunderstorms
Friday. Conditions improve late Friday afternoon into the
evening as the low moves away and dry air moves in.

Outlook: Overnight fog and stratus threat possible each morning
late this week into the weekend. Weekend is trending drier and
more quiet with predominant VFR expected.

&&

.MARINE...
Increasing southwesterly winds this afternoon and Friday across
all waters ahead of an approaching low from the remnants of
Arthur in addition to a cold front. Gale Warnings remain in
effect with this update, with an expansion for coastal waters
from Cape Lookout to Surf City for Friday as the low moves
through. At this time winds inside the sounds may stay just
below Gale criteria but will have to watch the observations for
a potential expansion of Gale Warnings or a MWS for the Pamlico
Sound.

With the remnants of Post Tropical Storm Arthur moving through
the area Friday, the track of the remnant low will be worth
monitoring. An inland track, which is the current expectation,
could bring a waterspout threat to waters Friday in addition to
thunderstorms.

Outlook (Thu night through Sun): Periodic nocturnal and early
morning risk of showers and thunderstorms is possible each
weeknight. Boating conditions improve over the weekend behind
the passing front, with next threat window for mariners early
next week ahead of another front.

&&

.CLIMATE...
Record High temps for 06/18 (Thursday)

LOCATION       TEMP/YEAR
New Bern         96/2014  (KEWN ASOS)
Cape Hatteras    90/1975  (KHSE ASOS)
Greenville       99/1920  (COOP - Not KPGV AWOS)
Morehead City    91/2015  (COOP - Not KMRH ASOS)
Kinston         101/1944  (COOP - Not KISO AWOS)
Jacksonville     95/1984  (NCA ASOS)

&&

.MHX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
NC...Heat Advisory until 8 PM EDT this evening for NCZ029-044>047-
     079>081-090>092-094-193>196-198-199.
     Beach Hazards Statement until 8 PM EDT this evening for NCZ195-
     196-199-204-205.
MARINE...Small Craft Advisory until 2 AM EDT Friday for AMZ131-230-231.
     Small Craft Advisory until 8 PM EDT Friday for AMZ135.
     Small Craft Advisory until 5 PM EDT Friday for AMZ136-137.
     Small Craft Advisory until 2 PM EDT Friday for AMZ150.
     Gale Warning until 8 PM EDT Friday for AMZ152-154-156-180-182-
     184-186-188.
     Small Craft Advisory until 10 AM EDT Friday for AMZ158.
     Gale Warning from 10 AM to 6 PM EDT Friday for AMZ158.

&&

DISCUSSION...RTE/RJ
AVIATION...CQD/RJ
MARINE...RTE/RJ

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Newport/Morehead City NC
313 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026

NCZ205-191915-
Hatteras Island-
313 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
...MODERATE RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern North Carolina.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Beach Hazards Statement.
   Moderate Rip Current Risk.

Today will be hot and humid, with heat index values of 95 to 104
degrees.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Strong to severe storms Friday morning could result in waterspouts
coming onshore and gusty winds. Strong storms Friday evening could
bring gusty winds.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NCZ204-191915-
Ocracoke Island-
313 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern North Carolina.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Beach Hazards Statement.

Today will be hot and humid, with heat index values of 100 to 104
degrees.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Strong to severe storms Friday morning could result in waterspouts
coming onshore and gusty winds. Strong storms Friday evening could
bring gusty winds.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NCZ029-044>047-079>081-090>092-094-193-194-198-191915-
Martin-Pitt-Washington-Tyrrell-Mainland Dare-Greene-Beaufort-
Mainland Hyde-Duplin-Lenoir-Jones-Pamlico-Northern Craven-
Southern Craven-Inland Onslow-
313 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern North Carolina.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

  Heat Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Strong to severe storms Friday morning could result in an isolated
brief tornado and gusty winds. Strong storms Friday evening could
bring gusty winds.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NCZ203-191915-
Northern Outer Banks-
313 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern North Carolina.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Today will be hot and humid, with heat index values near 100 to 104
degrees. There is also a Marginal Risk of severe thunderstorms,
primarily Thursday night into Friday.

Hazardous weather is not expected at this time.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Strong to severe storms Friday morning could result in an isolated
brief tornado and gusty winds. Strong storms Friday evening could
bring gusty winds.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NCZ195-196-199-191915-
West Carteret-East Carteret-Coastal Onslow-
313 PM EDT Thu Jun 18 2026

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern North Carolina.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Beach Hazards Statement.
   Heat Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Strong to severe storms Friday morning could result in an isolated
brief tornado and gusty winds. Strong storms Friday evening could
bring gusty winds.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.