Special Marine Warning Issued for North Carolina Coastal Waters Including Cape Hatteras

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City NC has issued a Special Marine Warning for several coastal segments and offshore waters in North Carolina. The alert is effective immediately following reports of severe thunderstorms in the area.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following maritime regions:

• South of Currituck Beach Light NC to Oregon Inlet NC out to 20 nm
• 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
• South of Ocracoke Inlet NC to Cape Lookout NC out to 20 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 Cape Hatteras, Monitor Marine Sanctuary, Hatteras Inlet, Hatteras Village, Oregon Inlet, Diamond Shoals, Rodanthe, Kill Devil Hills, and various offshore Ar zones (Ar145, Ar225, Ar160, Ar140, Ar250, Ar230, Ar220).

What You Should Do

Boaters are advised to seek safe harbor immediately and remain there until these storms pass. Small craft are at risk of capsizing in suddenly higher waves, and larger vessels could suffer significant structural damage due to high winds. Mariners should avoid these waters until the threat has subsided.

Expected Conditions

Weather spotters have identified severe thunderstorms moving east at 45 knots. These storms have a history of producing widespread wind gusts between 40 to 60 knots. Primary hazards include:

• Waterspouts: Capable of easily overturning boats and creating locally hazardous seas.
• Wind: Gusts in excess of 50 knots.
• Additional Hazards: High waves, dangerous lightning, and heavy rain.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 3:46 PM EDT on March 12, 2026, and is currently scheduled to expire at 5:15 PM EDT on the same day.