Good morning, beach lovers! Get ready for a wild ride along the North Carolina coastline. Today's surf scene is serving up some serious maritime drama from the Outer Banks to Crystal Coast.
Let's start up north in Duck and Kitty Hawk, where surfers can expect mellow 1 to 2 foot waves and a sunny morning that turns partly cloudy by early afternoon. West winds will be howling at 15 to 20 miles per hour, so hold onto your beach umbrellas!
Down in Hatteras, things get spicier. South of Cape Hatteras, we've got a high rip current risk with waves pumping 3 to 5 feet. Surfers and swimmers take note: these waters are not for the faint of heart. Southwest winds around 20 miles per hour will keep things interesting, with temperatures hanging in the upper 60s.
Ocracoke Island is bringing serious energy today with 2 to 4 foot waves and a high rip current risk. Brace for southwest winds gusting around 25 miles per hour - it's going to be a breezy one!
The Crystal Coast is equally dramatic. Core Banks and Shackleford Banks are looking at 3 to 4 foot waves with a high to moderate rip current risk. Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle will see similar conditions with 3 to 4 foot surf.
North Topsail Beach rounds out our coastal tour with moderate rip currents and 2 to 4 foot waves. Temperatures across the board will dance in the low to mid 70s.
Pro tip: water temperatures are chilly in the mid 50s to low 60s, so pack that wetsuit! Stay safe, respect the ocean, and enjoy the ride.
Surf's up, North Carolina!