Special Marine Warning Issued for Albemarle Sound and Coastal North Carolina

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City NC has issued a Special Marine Warning for several coastal and inland waterways in North Carolina. The alert was issued at 2:03 PM EDT following radar detection of a front moving through the region.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

• Albemarle Sound
• Alligator River
• Croatan and Roanoke Sounds
• Coastal waters from South of Currituck Beach Light NC to Oregon Inlet NC, extending out to 20 nautical miles.

Specific locations impacted include Edenton, Kill Devil Hills, Duck, the Alligator River Bridge, Highway 94 Bridge, the Mouth of the Perquimans River, and the vicinity of Mashoes, Gum Neck, and Bull Bay.

What You Should Do

Mariners and residents in the affected areas should move to safe harbor immediately. Hazardous weather conditions, including gusty winds and high waves, are expected. It is advised to remain in harbor until the weather passes.

Expected Conditions

A front was located at 2:03 PM EDT along a line extending from 10 nautical miles north of Edenton to 17 nautical miles north of Bath, moving east at 45 knots. Hazards include:

• Wind Gusts: Speeds reaching nearly 50 knots.
• Wind Shift: A significant shift from Southwest (SW) to Northwest (NW) behind the front.
• Waves: Suddenly higher waves capable of damaging small craft.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is effective immediately and is scheduled to expire at 3:00 PM EDT on March 12, 2026.