The National Weather Service says there is a high risk of rip currents along area beaches from Cape Hatteras south Monday Because of Hurricane Dean.
Areas affected include, Carteret, Onslow, Dare and Hyde counties.
High energy waves from distant Hurricane Dean will continue to
impact the coast Monday with 3 to 4 foot swells. The swells and onshore winds around 15 to 20 knots will produce the dangerous surf conditions and a high risk of rip currents.
The greatest threat for rip currents occurs a couple hours either side of low
tide, which is around 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Monday. It is recommended
that people stay out of the water as powerful rip currents can
overtake even the strongest of swimmers.
Rip currents are strong narrow currents that flow away from the beach. If you become caught in a rip current remain calm and swim parallel to the beach until out of its pull, then swim at an angle
back to shore.