Special Marine Warning Issued for Pamlico Sound and Coastal North Carolina Waters

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City NC has issued a Special Marine Warning for the Pamlico Sound and adjacent coastal waters. The alert was issued at 4:54 PM EDT on March 8, 2026, following radar detection of hazardous conditions.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following maritime regions:

• Pamlico Sound
• South of Oregon Inlet NC to Cape Hatteras NC (out to 20 nm)
• Waters from Oregon Inlet to Cape Hatteras NC (from 20 to 40 nm)

Specific locations impacted by these storms include Engelhard, Pamlico Sound, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Rodanthe, The Center Of The Pamlico Sound, and Hatteras Village.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised to move to safe harbor immediately. Small craft should remain in port or seek sheltered waters until the hazardous weather passes, as sudden high waves and wind gusts can cause significant damage.

Expected Conditions

At 4:54 PM EDT, radar indicated a line of strong thunderstorms extending from 8 nautical miles southeast of Rodanthe to 8 nautical miles northeast of Pamlico Sound. The storm system is moving east at 25 knots.

Primary Hazards:

• Wind: Gusts up to 40 knots.
• Impact: Small craft could be damaged in briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is effective immediately and is scheduled to remain in place until 6:00 PM EDT on March 8, 2026.