Special Marine Warning Issued for Pamlico Sound and Surrounding Rivers Through 4 PM

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City NC has issued a Special Marine Warning for the Pamlico Sound and the Pamlico and Pungo Rivers. This alert was issued at 2:58 PM EDT on March 8, 2026, and remains in effect until 4:00 PM EDT.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions:

• Pamlico Sound
• Pamlico River
• Pungo River

Specific locations impacted include the vicinity of Slades Creek, Belhaven, Swanquarter, the Mouth of the Pamlico River, Crabtree Bay, Bath, Blounts Bay, the vicinity of Bath Creek, the mid-point of South Creek, and the vicinity of Pamlico Beach.

What You Should Do

Mariners are advised that frequent lightning is occurring with these storms. If caught on open water, stay below deck if possible and keep away from ungrounded metal objects. Small craft should seek safe harbor immediately as they could be damaged by briefly higher winds and suddenly higher waves.

Expected Conditions

Radar indicates strong thunderstorms moving east at 25 knots. Hazards include wind gusts up to 40 knots and small hail. These conditions are expected to create suddenly higher waves and hazardous conditions for small vessels.

Timeline

The Special Marine Warning is effective immediately as of 2:58 PM EDT and is scheduled to expire at 4:00 PM EDT on March 8, 2026.