North Carolina Coast Faces Dangerous Conditions as Hurricane Ernesto Approaches

Stormy waves crashing on North Carolina's coast due to Hurricane Ernesto.

News Summary

The North Carolina coastline is preparing for Hurricane Ernesto, which brings life-threatening rip currents, high surf advisories, and potential flood risks. Residents and beachgoers are urged to prioritize safety as waves may reach up to 8 feet, and a high surf advisory is in effect for multiple counties. Authorities warn of severe beach erosion and collapsing structures, prompting strong advisories to stay out of the water. Travelers are reminded to drive safely while navigating affected highways. Flooding risks also persist due to nearby Tropical Storm Debby, putting millions at risk.

North Carolina Coast Faces Dangerous Conditions as Hurricane Ernesto Approaches

The tranquil beaches of North Carolina are bracing for a stormy encounter as Hurricane Ernesto makes its presence felt along the coast. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Newport/Morehead City has issued an updated beach hazards statement, coming into effect early Sunday morning, and it will remain in place until later in the evening. Beachgoers in the Northern Outer Banks and Hatteras Island are being alerted to stay safe as conditions worsen.

Rip Currents: What You Need to Know

As Hurricane Ernesto churns in the ocean, it is stirring up life-threatening rip currents that can catch even the experienced swimmer off guard. These strong currents can easily pull unsuspecting individuals into deeper waters, exposing them to dangerous situations. If you do find yourself caught in one, it’s important to stay calm. Swim parallel to the shore, and if you feel tired, try to float or tread water until you’re out of the current. Don’t hesitate to call for help if you feel you can’t escape.

Safety at the Beach

For residents and visitors alike, caution should rule the day. A high surf advisory is currently in effect for areas like Pender, Carteret, Onslow, and New Hanover counties. Huge waves ranging from 4 to 8 feet are crashing along the shores, creating not only rough surf but also heightened risks for beach erosion and dangerous swimming conditions. Authorities are advising everyone to stay out of the water until the storm passes and the hazards diminish.

A Daring Collapse

Just to illustrate how fierce the weather has become, a home in Rodanthe on Hatteras Island recently collapsed into the ocean, a stark reminder of the power storm surges can wield. As dangerous swells continue to batter the shore, beachgoers are urged strongly to be cautious around any structures facing the beach. Ensuring safety is paramount when nature’s wrath comes knocking.

Driving Safety

Travelers are advised to stay alert while navigating N.C. Highway 12, particularly the north end of Ocracoke Island and between Hatteras and Frisco, as there is a real risk of ocean overwash impacting road conditions. This means you could encounter waves spilling onto the highway. Plan accordingly and drive with care.

Warnings for Boaters

If you’re planning on boating during these turbulent times, it’s important to proceed with extreme caution. Conditions are rough, with predictions indicating that waves could double in size, posing a major danger to smaller vessels. A small craft advisory will be in effect through the weekend, so it’s best to keep the boat docked until conditions improve.

Flooding and Other Weather Woes

On top of all this, the Outer Banks are also feeling the effects from nearby Tropical Storm Debby, leading to flooding and potential tornado activity in the region. The weather is anything but predictable, with current wind speeds hovering in the mid-20s and gusts reaching up to 40 mph, while daytime temperatures remain around the mid-80s.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe

It’s worth noting that the threat extends beyond just high surf. Coastal flood advisories cover areas from North Carolina all the way up to Rhode Island, impacting around ten million people. Recent reports have linked tragic drowning incidents in neighboring states to hazardous rip currents, urging everyone to take advisories seriously. NOAA buoys along the coast have reported wave heights between 5 and 6 feet, with forecasts indicating life-threatening conditions could last for several days.

Remember, folks, your safety is the most important thing. Keep your feet on solid ground, and wait for the storm to pass before heading to the beach!