Special Marine Warning for Waters Off Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout NC

Source: NOAA · Waters off Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout NC

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NWS Newport/Morehead City NC issued a Special Marine Warning for marine zones from Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout due to a severe thunderstorm capable of producing waterspouts.

Read this weather record in 30 seconds

Record type
Special Marine Warning
Affected area
Waters off Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout NC
Issued
August 24, 2026
Issuing authority
NWS Newport/Morehead City NC

Marine notices apply to named waters or shoreline zones. They may not describe conditions on land, even when the nearest place name is the same.

Record status: publication date is recent, but current status is not stored on this page. Check the issuing agency's live warning service before acting because warnings can be updated, narrowed, or cancelled.

Alert Details

A Special Marine Warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City NC. The alert is effective from August 24, 2026 at 4:37 AM EDT until August 24, 2026 at 5:30 AM EDT.

Affected Areas

The warning covers:

  • S of Cape Hatteras NC to Ocracoke Inlet NC out to 20 NM
  • S of Ocracoke Inlet NC to Cape Lookout NC out to 20 NM
  • Waters from Cape Hatteras to Ocracoke Inlet NC from 20 to 60 NM
  • Waters from Ocracoke Inlet to Cape Lookout NC from 20 to 60 NM

What You Should Do

Seek safe harbor immediately. Thunderstorms can produce sudden waterspouts. Waterspouts can easily overturn boats and create locally hazardous seas.

Expected Conditions

At 4:37 AM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing waterspouts was located 18 nm east of Atlas Tanker, moving northeast at 10 knots. Hazard includes waterspouts and wind gusts 34 knots or greater.

Timeline

The alert is in effect until 5:30 AM EDT on August 24, 2026.

Original source: NOAA Official Notice ↗

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Nationwide notices with similar length or severity timing 8

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this NWS weather alert.

What is this NWS weather alert about?
NWS Newport/Morehead City NC issued a Special Marine Warning for marine zones from Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout due to a severe thunderstorm capable of producing waterspouts.
Which agency issued this alert?
This alert was issued by NOAA. The original notice is available at the source link at the bottom of this article.
How severe is this alert?
This alert is classified as "high" severity. Take precautions and monitor for updates.
What area is affected?
This alert affects Waters off Cape Hatteras to Cape Lookout NC. Check with NOAA for the most current geographic scope.
Where can I find more Weather Alerts updates?
Browse the full Weather Alerts feed on Areazine at areazine.com/weather/ for the latest updates from NOAA and other agencies.