Special Marine Warning Issued for Pamlico, Pungo, Neuse, and Bay Rivers
A Special Marine Warning is in effect for several North Carolina rivers until 2:30 PM EDT due to severe thunderstorms capable of producing 50-knot wind gusts.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City NC has issued a Special Marine Warning for the Neuse, Bay, Pamlico, and Pungo Rivers. This alert is effective immediately following the detection of severe thunderstorms in the region.
Affected Areas
The warning covers the following maritime regions:
- Neuse and Bay Rivers
- Pamlico and Pungo Rivers
Impacted land-adjacent locations include the vicinity of Slades Creek, Belhaven, Crabtree Bay, Bath, Blounts Bay, Bath Creek, the mid-point of South Creek, and Pamlico Beach.
What You Should Do
Mariners and residents in the affected areas should move to safe harbor immediately. Gusty winds and suddenly higher waves are expected, which can create hazardous conditions for all vessel types.
Expected Conditions
- Hazard: Wind gusts in excess of 50 knots.
- Source: Radar-indicated severe thunderstorms.
- Impact: Boats could suffer significant structural damage due to high winds. Small craft are at risk of capsizing in suddenly elevated wave conditions.
- Storm Movement: At 1:51 PM EDT, a line of severe thunderstorms was located extending from 21 nm southwest of Edenton to 21 nm northwest of the vicinity of Trent River, moving east at 35 knots.
Timeline
The warning was issued at 1:51 PM EDT on March 12, 2026, and is currently scheduled to expire at 2:30 PM EDT on the same day.
Source: NOAA Official Notice
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