NC coastal danger for rip currents, high surf, ocean overwash from Hurricane Ernesto

MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. (WNCN) — Officials at the North Carolina coast are warning visitors, residents, boaters and swimmers about the impact of Hurricane Ernesto, which is far off the coast in the Atlantic Ocean.

A high surf advisory and high rip current risk are both in effect along beaches in Pender, Carteret, Onslow and New Hanover counties, the Wilmington office of the National Weather Service said.

Already Friday, a home in Rodanthe on Hatteras Island fell into the ocean due to high surf and swells from Hurricane Ernesto, officials said.

Strong swells from the storm will combine with higher-than-normal tides creating dangerous conditions, according to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

“Large breaking waves, life-threatening rip currents, beach erosion, and ocean overwash are all possible,” Cape Hatteras officials said in a news release.

Ocean conditions will be dangerous along all beaches Friday through this weekend because of distant Hurricane Ernesto, authorities said.

“Visitors are urged to avoid swimming in the ocean until conditions improve,” seashore officials said.

The high rip current risk is in effect Friday evening for dangerous rip currents, the National Weather Service said.

The high surf advisory, for large breaking waves of 4 to 7 feet until 11 p.m. Saturday.

In Carteret and Onslow counties, the high surf advisory is up to 8 feet, the National Weather Service in Morehead City said.

Also, people in the water or walking on the beach at the north end of Rodanthe should use caution because of “the presence of threatened oceanfront structures.”

Drivers are warned about possible ocean overwash on the key highway at the Outer Banks, N.C. 12.

Cape Hatteras officials said the problem is especially possible “at the north end of Ocracoke Island and between Hatteras and Frisco”.

Boaters along most of the North Carolina coast are also warned about “rough conditions”.

“Waves could easily double in size at times, possibly over-taking smaller vessels, or even causing water to drown out inboard or outboard motors,” the National Weather Service said.

A small craft advisory is in effect Friday through the weekend along the Outer Banks.

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