VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a beach hazard statement for coastal areas in Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore and eastern North Carolina Thursday, meaning an increased risk of rip currents and rough surf conditions.
The areas affected include the beaches of Virginia Beach, Northampton County and Accomack County in Virginia, as well as all of North Carolina's beaches on the eastern coast. The NWS advisory is expected to last through Thursday evening.
A low-pressure system has been sliding its way up the Atlantic Coast this week, bringing gusty winds, off-and-on rain, and cooler temperatures.
Wind speeds could reach up to 30 mph across Southeast Virginia and Northeast North Carolina, causing tides to rise until sometime Friday.
As of 10:50 a.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service's Beach Forecast shows all of the Outer Banks, up through Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore are at a level red, meaning life-threatening rip currents are likely.
During a level red, people are asked to avoid getting in the water and to listen to local beach patrol and flag warning systems.
On the Outer Banks, the Kitty Hawk Police Department shared a Facebook picture of no swimming flags being raised, encouraging people to stay out of the water unless surfing or bodyboarding with appropriate equipment.
