North Carolina Minor High Surf Advisory | Effective 10/20/2026 17:13

Headline: 
High Surf Advisory issued October 20 at 8:13PM EDT until October 21 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
Event: 
High Surf Advisory
Urgency: 
Expected
Effective: 
October 20, 2026 - 5:13pm
Expires: 
October 21, 2026 - 5:15am
Description: 
* WHAT...For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 5 to 8 feet in the surf zone. For the Beach Hazards Statement, dangerous rip currents and large breaking waves expected in the surf zone. * WHERE...Core Banks beaches. * WHEN...For the High Surf Advisory, until 8 AM EDT Wednesday. For the Beach Hazards Statement, from 8 AM EDT Wednesday through Wednesday evening. * IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. 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. * 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 10:00 AM Wednesday.
Instruction: 
Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. 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.
Area Description: 
East Carteret
Forcast Office: 
NWS Newport/Morehead City NC
Sender: 
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov