Active Weather Alerts
Tropical Weather Statement
Issued: 9:10 PM Aug. 18, 2025 – National Weather Service
This product covers Eastern North Carolina **Hurricane Erin Forecast to Pass Offshore, But Still Impact Eastern North Carolina** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Storm Surge Watch and Tropical Storm Watch have been issued for East Carteret, Hatteras Island, Northern Outer Banks, and Ocracoke Island * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Storm Surge Watch and Tropical Storm Watch are in effect for East Carteret, Hatteras Island, Northern Outer Banks, and Ocracoke Island * STORM INFORMATION: - About 820 miles south-southeast of Buxton NC or about 810 miles south-southeast of Morehead City NC - 24.0N 71.3W - Storm Intensity 140 mph - Movement Northwest or 310 degrees at 10 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Erin is expected to remain a major hurricane as it moves north-northwestward through mid week. While the center of Erin is expected to remain several hundred miles off the North Carolina coast, it will bring several significant coastal impacts to eastern North Carolina due to its large size. Moderate to significant storm surge inundation of 2 to 4 feet above ground level is expected along the oceanside, resulting in a significant threat to life and property. The worst impacts will likely be felt along the Outer Banks, from Duck to Cape Lookout, with more moderate impacts south of Cape Lookout. This is expected to be a prolonged duration event beginning Tuesday, peaking Wednesday and Thursday then gradually improving late week, with water levels peaking during the high tides. Portions of NC-12 and secondary roads along the Outer Banks, in particular on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, will likely be impassable or inaccessible for several days due to significant ocean overwash. Minor storm surge inundation, 1 to 2 ft, will also be possible for soundside areas adjacent to the southern Pamlico Sound. Erin is expected to increase in size over the next few days and tropical storm force winds will be possible Wednesday night and Thursday morning along the Outer Banks. Stronger and more frequent rip currents are expected along area beaches through the week. Extensive beach erosion is also likely due to strong long period wave energy with 10 to 20 foot waves in the surf zone. Very dangerous marine conditions will continue for the coastal waters, sounds and rivers, with gusty winds and dangerous seas. This will create treacherous conditions for mariners. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * SURGE: Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts across the Outer Banks from Duck southward to Hatteras, Ocracoke, and Core Banks. Potential impacts in this area include: - Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast. - Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low spots. - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and numerous rip currents. - Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages. Also, prepare for locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts across the Crystal Coast. Elsewhere across Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated. * WIND: Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the Outer Banks from Duck southward to Hatteras, Ocracoke, Core Banks, and portions of Down East Carteret. Potential impacts in this area include: - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. Elsewhere across Eastern North Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated. * OTHER COASTAL HAZARDS: Life threatening rip currents and marine conditions will persist through the week. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. Portions of Dare and Hyde counties are under mandatory evacuation orders. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your home or business. When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the center of the storm. If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or on a boat, plan to move to safe shelter. If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low-lying or poor drainage area, in a valley, or near an already swollen river, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with orders that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of others. When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness activities to become unsafe. Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations. If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or parish in which you are located and where it is relative to current watches and warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially pertaining to area visitors. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City NC around 11:00 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.
High Surf Advisory
Issued: 9:10 PM Aug. 18, 2025 – National Weather Service
...COASTAL FLOOD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON SOUTH OF CAPE LOOKOUT... ...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TUESDAY TO MIDNIGHT EDT FRIDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 15 to 20+ feet expected in the surf zone north of Cape Lookout, and 8 to 15 feet south of Cape Lookout. For the Coastal Flood Watch, moderate oceanside inundation above ground level likely in low- lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...East Carteret County. * WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Watch, from Tuesday afternoon through Friday afternoon. For the High Surf Advisory, from noon Tuesday to midnight EDT Friday night. * IMPACTS...Moderate beach and coastal damage is likely along the oceanside, with greatest impacts north of Cape Lookout, resulting in a significant threat to life and property. Large dangerous waves will likely inundate and destroy protective dune structures. Severe flooding will likely extend inland from the waterfront causing flooding of many homes and businesses with some structural damage possible. Actions will need to be taken to protect life and property. Very dangerous swimming and surfing conditions expected, as well as the wave action resulting in significant beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A storm surge watch has been issued for the areas north of Cape Lookout. This is expected to be a prolonged duration event. Minor soundside flooding will also be possible if stronger winds develop over the Pamlico Sound. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. && Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour. Beaufort Marine Lab NC MLLW Categories - Minor 5.0 ft, Moderate 5.5 ft, Major 6.5 ft MHHW Categories - Minor -0.8 ft, Moderate -0.3 ft, Major 0.7 ft Total Total Departure Day/Time Tide Tide from Norm Waves Flood ft MLLW ft MHHW ft ft Impact -------- --------- --------- --------- ------- -------- 18/04 PM 4.5 -1.3 0.7 1 None 19/05 AM 3.6 -2.2 0.7 1 None 19/06 PM 4.8 -1.0 0.9 1 None 20/05 AM 3.8 -2.0 0.9 1 None 20/07 PM 5.0 -0.8 1.1 1 Minor 21/07 AM 4.3 -1.5 1.1 1 None &&
Coastal Flood Watch
Issued: 9:10 PM Aug. 18, 2025 – National Weather Service
...COASTAL FLOOD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON SOUTH OF CAPE LOOKOUT... ...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TUESDAY TO MIDNIGHT EDT FRIDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 15 to 20+ feet expected in the surf zone north of Cape Lookout, and 8 to 15 feet south of Cape Lookout. For the Coastal Flood Watch, moderate oceanside inundation above ground level likely in low- lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...East Carteret County. * WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Watch, from Tuesday afternoon through Friday afternoon. For the High Surf Advisory, from noon Tuesday to midnight EDT Friday night. * IMPACTS...Moderate beach and coastal damage is likely along the oceanside, with greatest impacts north of Cape Lookout, resulting in a significant threat to life and property. Large dangerous waves will likely inundate and destroy protective dune structures. Severe flooding will likely extend inland from the waterfront causing flooding of many homes and businesses with some structural damage possible. Actions will need to be taken to protect life and property. Very dangerous swimming and surfing conditions expected, as well as the wave action resulting in significant beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A storm surge watch has been issued for the areas north of Cape Lookout. This is expected to be a prolonged duration event. Minor soundside flooding will also be possible if stronger winds develop over the Pamlico Sound. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. && Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour. Beaufort Marine Lab NC MLLW Categories - Minor 5.0 ft, Moderate 5.5 ft, Major 6.5 ft MHHW Categories - Minor -0.8 ft, Moderate -0.3 ft, Major 0.7 ft Total Total Departure Day/Time Tide Tide from Norm Waves Flood ft MLLW ft MHHW ft ft Impact -------- --------- --------- --------- ------- -------- 18/04 PM 4.5 -1.3 0.7 1 None 19/05 AM 3.6 -2.2 0.7 1 None 19/06 PM 4.8 -1.0 0.9 1 None 20/05 AM 3.8 -2.0 0.9 1 None 20/07 PM 5.0 -0.8 1.1 1 Minor 21/07 AM 4.3 -1.5 1.1 1 None &&
Tropical Storm Watch
Issued: 8:53 PM Aug. 18, 2025 – National Weather Service
...TROPICAL STORM WATCH IN EFFECT... ...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS CANCELLED... * WHAT...Northeast winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 45 kt and seas 15 to 20 ft. * WHERE...The coastal waters from Oregon Inlet to Surf City. * WHEN...Tropical Storm force winds possible from Wednesday evening until Thursday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Tropical storm force winds and hazardous seas could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Mariners should consider altering plans to avoid possible hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe wind and seas. &&
Tropical Storm Watch
Issued: 8:50 PM Aug. 18, 2025 – National Weather Service
...STORM SURGE WATCH IN EFFECT... ...TROPICAL STORM WATCH IN EFFECT... A Storm Surge Watch means life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, is possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm-force winds are possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours * LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Beaufort - Harkers Island - Cedar Island * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 mph with gusts to 45 mph - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph - PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force. - PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be underway. Prepare for limited wind damage. - ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. * STORM SURGE - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Life-threatening storm surge possible - Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for 2-4 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas - Window of concern: Begins early Tuesday morning - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm surge flooding greater than 3 feet above ground - PLAN: Plan for life-threatening storm surge flooding of greater than 3 feet above ground. - PREPARE: Evacuation efforts and flood preparations should soon be brought to completion before conditions become unsafe. - ACT: Leave immediately if evacuation orders are given for your area to avoid being cut off from emergency services or needlessly risk lives. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast. - Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low spots. - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and numerous rip currents. - Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages. * FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Peak Rainfall Amounts: around 1 inch - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Little or no potential for flooding rain - PLAN: There is little or no potential for flooding rain. - PREPARE: Little to no preparations are needed to protect against flooding rain at this time. - ACT: Monitor for changes to the forecast. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None - Little to no potential impacts from flooding rain. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Situation is unfavorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Tornadoes not expected - PLAN: Tornadoes are not expected. Showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds may still occur. - PREPARE: Little to no preparations needed to protect against tornadoes at this time. Keep informed of the latest tornado situation. - ACT: Listen for changes in the forecast. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None - Little to no potential impacts from tornadoes. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - http://ready.gov/hurricanes
Storm Surge Watch
Issued: 8:50 PM Aug. 18, 2025 – National Weather Service
...STORM SURGE WATCH IN EFFECT... ...TROPICAL STORM WATCH IN EFFECT... A Storm Surge Watch means life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, is possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm-force winds are possible somewhere within this area within the next 48 hours * LOCATIONS AFFECTED - Beaufort - Harkers Island - Cedar Island * WIND - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind - Peak Wind Forecast: 20-30 mph with gusts to 45 mph - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph - PLAN: Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force. - PREPARE: Efforts to protect property should now be underway. Prepare for limited wind damage. - ACT: Act now to complete preparations before the wind becomes hazardous. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. * STORM SURGE - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Life-threatening storm surge possible - Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for 2-4 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas - Window of concern: Begins early Tuesday morning - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm surge flooding greater than 3 feet above ground - PLAN: Plan for life-threatening storm surge flooding of greater than 3 feet above ground. - PREPARE: Evacuation efforts and flood preparations should soon be brought to completion before conditions become unsafe. - ACT: Leave immediately if evacuation orders are given for your area to avoid being cut off from emergency services or needlessly risk lives. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant - Areas of inundation with storm surge flooding accentuated by waves. Damage to several buildings, mainly near the coast. - Sections of near-shore escape routes and secondary roads become weakened or washed out, especially in usually vulnerable low spots. - Major beach erosion with heavy surf breaching dunes. Strong and numerous rip currents. - Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages. * FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Peak Rainfall Amounts: around 1 inch - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Little or no potential for flooding rain - PLAN: There is little or no potential for flooding rain. - PREPARE: Little to no preparations are needed to protect against flooding rain at this time. - ACT: Monitor for changes to the forecast. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None - Little to no potential impacts from flooding rain. * TORNADO - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: - Situation is unfavorable for tornadoes - THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Tornadoes not expected - PLAN: Tornadoes are not expected. Showers and thunderstorms with gusty winds may still occur. - PREPARE: Little to no preparations needed to protect against tornadoes at this time. Keep informed of the latest tornado situation. - ACT: Listen for changes in the forecast. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Little to None - Little to no potential impacts from tornadoes. * FOR MORE INFORMATION: - http://ready.gov/hurricanes
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