National Weather ServiceNorth CarolinaHigh Surf AdvisoryArchive to October 1, 2026
High Surf Advisories in North Carolina
The National Weather Service issued 30 high surf advisories for North Carolina in 2025 and 26 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 4th most of any state. 2026 through September: 13, 28% below the average of 18 for those months in 2008-2025. Eastern Currituck was covered most often (159 times since 2008).
How many high surf advisories does North Carolina get?
Every high surf advisory that covered part of North Carolina. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 13 |
| 2025 | 30 |
| 2024 | 32 |
| 2023 | 38 |
| 2022 | 35 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2020 | 35 |
| 2019 | 22 |
| 2018 | 27 |
| 2017 | 34 |
| 2016 | 24 |
| 2015 | 23 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2013 | 21 |
| 2012 | 13 |
| 2011 | 14 |
| 2010 | 29 |
| 2009 | 26 |
| 2008 | 30 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does North Carolina get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in North Carolina?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Currituck | 159 | 28 | September 23, 2026 |
| Hatteras Island | 103 | 54 | September 23, 2026 |
| Outer Banks Dare | 98 | 0 | April 2, 2019 |
| Ocracoke Island | 76 | 40 | April 8, 2026 |
| East Carteret | 74 | 39 | April 8, 2026 |
| Carteret | 73 | 0 | April 2, 2019 |
| Northern Outer Banks | 72 | 34 | September 23, 2026 |
| Eastern Dare | 60 | 0 | April 16, 2011 |
| Outer Banks Hyde | 42 | 0 | April 2, 2019 |
| Onslow | 41 | 0 | March 20, 2019 |
| Coastal New Hanover | 37 | 18 | September 24, 2026 |
| Coastal Brunswick | 35 | 19 | August 19, 2025 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a high surf advisory?
A high surf advisory means large, dangerous breaking waves and strong currents along the shore. An advisory is issued for a hazard less serious than a warning that can still cause inconvenience or danger if people are not careful. The national record · Every warning type in North Carolina.