Special Marine Warning for North Carolina Coastal Waters Near Cape Hatteras and Ocracoke Inlet

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City NC has issued a Special Marine Warning (NWS Alert Code: MAW) for coastal and offshore waters in North Carolina. The alert was issued at 5:10 AM EDT and remains in effect until 6:15 AM EDT.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

• South of Oregon Inlet NC to Cape Hatteras NC out to 20 nm
• South of Cape Hatteras NC to Ocracoke Inlet NC out to 20 nm
• Waters from Oregon Inlet to Cape Hatteras NC from 20 to 40 nm
• Waters from Cape Hatteras to Ocracoke Inlet NC from 20 to 40 nm
• Waters from Ocracoke Inlet to Cape Lookout NC from 20 to 40 nm

Specific locations impacted include Diamond Shoals.

What You Should Do

Mariners and residents in the warning area should move to safe harbor immediately. Gusty winds and high waves are expected to create dangerous conditions. Thunderstorms can produce sudden waterspouts, which can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas. Seek safe harbor immediately to avoid these hazards.

Expected Conditions

According to radar data, severe thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts were located along a line extending from 8 nm east of Diamond Shoals to 32 nm southeast of 14 Buoy. These storms are moving northeast at 30 knots. Expected hazards include:

• Waterspouts: Capable of overturning vessels.
• Wind: Gusts up to 40 knots.
• Seas: Suddenly higher waves and locally hazardous sea conditions.

Timeline

The warning is effective immediately as of 5:10 AM EDT on March 16, 2026. The alert and the expected hazardous conditions are scheduled to expire at 6:15 AM EDT.