Special Marine Warning Issued for Pamlico Sound and Alligator River Through 4:00 PM EDT

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City NC has issued a Special Marine Warning for the Alligator River and Pamlico Sound. This alert is effective immediately following the detection of severe thunderstorms in the area.

Affected Areas

The warning covers a broad area of coastal North Carolina waters, including:

• Waterways: Alligator River, Pamlico Sound, The Mouth of the Neuse River, Hatteras Inlet, Ocracoke Inlet, and the Mouth of the Pamlico River.
• Landmarks and Communities: Cape Hatteras, Engelhard, Hobucken, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Cedar Island, Slades Creek, Hatteras Village, Swanquarter, South River, Ocracoke, Rodanthe, and Ar220.

Expected Conditions

At 3:01 PM EDT, marine weather spotters identified severe thunderstorms along a line extending from the vicinity of Slades Creek to near Hobucken and Adams Creek. These storms are moving east at 50 knots.

Primary Hazards Include:

• Waterspouts: These can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas.
• High Winds: Wind gusts in excess of 50 knots are expected. These storms have a documented history of producing wind gusts as high as 60 knots.
• Impact: Small craft could capsize in suddenly higher waves, and larger vessels could suffer significant structural damage.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is in effect until 4:00 PM EDT on March 12, 2026. Residents and mariners should monitor local conditions until the storms have passed the area.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to avoid these areas and seek safe harbor immediately. Boaters should prepare for suddenly higher waves and intense wind gusts. Ensure all passengers are wearing life jackets and stay clear of the water until the warning has expired.