For Dare County, there is a tropical storm warning and storm surge watch in effect.

 

Due to the potential effects of an area of low pressure that is anticipated to form off the southeast coast of the United States later today (Thursday, September 21, 2023), the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, has issued a Tropical Storm Warning and a Storm Surge Watch for all areas of Dare County. 

On Friday, September 22, 2023, and continuing into the weekend, this developing system—currently designated by the National Hurricane Center as POTENTIAL TROPICAL CYCLONE SIXTEEN and with a potential to develop into Tropical Storm Ophelia—will most likely bring tropical storm-force winds, storm surge, torrential rain, and high surf to Dare County.  

A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions, such as sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph, are anticipated in the next 36 hours or less. A storm surge watch warns of the potential for a 48-hour period of life-threatening flooding.

The National Weather Service office in Newport/Morehead City, North Carolina issued a High Surf Advisory at 3:50 a.m. this morning (Thursday, September 21, 2023) and it will be in effect until 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2023.  

These effects should be anticipated by Dare County residents and guests:

Starting today (Thursday, September 21, 2023) and lasting through the weekend, dangerous conditions throughout all Dare County beaches will be caused by life-threatening rip currents and huge surf with waves heights of 7-10 feet in the surf zone.

On Friday, September 22, 2023, increasing winds are predicted to start and last through Saturday, September 23, 2023, peaking at 45–55 mph with gusts as high as 70 mph. In order to prevent unsecured property from becoming a projectile hazard, action needs to be taken right away to secure it.