Special Marine Warning Issued for Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds Through 2:15 PM EST

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City has issued a Special Marine Warning for the Albemarle Sound, Alligator River, Croatan and Roanoke Sounds, and Pamlico Sound. The warning is in effect until 2:15 PM EST on February 20, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning covers several key maritime areas in eastern North Carolina, including:

• Albemarle Sound
• Alligator River
• Croatan and Roanoke Sounds
• Pamlico Sound

Specific locations impacted include Engelhard, the vicinity of Mashoes, the vicinity of Gum Neck, the center of Croatan Sound, the vicinity of Frying Pan, Bull Bay/Scuppernong River, Alligator River Bridge, and the mouth of the Alligator River.

What You Should Do

Mariners and those currently on the water should move to safe harbor immediately. Gusty winds and high waves are expected to create hazardous conditions, and small craft could be damaged in the briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.

Expected Conditions

According to radar at 1:48 PM EST, a strong thunderstorm was located 8 nautical miles south of Bull Bay/Scuppernong River, or 11 nautical miles south of Albemarle Sound. The storm is moving east at 35 knots. The primary hazard identified is wind gusts of up to 40 knots.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 1:49 PM EST on February 20, 2026, and is effective immediately. The warning is expected to expire at 2:15 PM EST.