Morning Beach Conditions

May 23, 2026

Update as of 1000 AM...

Based on ocean rescue condition reports and other observations the NWS has raised the rip current risk to HIGH making it a RED FLAG DAY from Duck to Cape Hatteras. Ocean conditions will lead to powerful rip currents. Ocean swimming is not recommended, stay out of the water!

Still a YELLOW FLAG DAY with MODERATE rip current risk south of Cape Hatteras to include Frisco, Hatteras Village and Ocracoke. Only experienced surf swimmers who know how to escape a rip current should enter the water. Never swim alone and always take flotation!

Click here for a BEACH WARNING FLAG informational video.

Strongest rip currents often occur a couple hours either side of low tide, which was at 8: 05 am with the next low around 8: 25 pm today.

Expect partly sunny skies today with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. South to southeast winds 5 to 10 mph and temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s. Surf height around 2 to 5 feet. Water temperatures: Duck Pier...63. Jennettes Pier...67. Oregon Inlet Marina...75. Rodanthe Pier...67. Avon Pier...73.

Always swim near a lifeguard. If help is needed, know your location and call 911!

Beach nourishment projects are taking place in Nags Head and Avon. For location and timing information visit www.morebeachtolove.com

Check out videos and beach safety information featuring Dare County locals.

These short videos feature OBX lifeguards, surf photographers and pro surfers.

Image of a young man on the beach running into the ocean in the Outer Banks with his surfboard

Local Tips

Image of a lifeguard station in the Outer Banks.

Find a Lifeguard

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If you have signed up for text alerts and would like to be unsubscribed, you can text “STOP” to 77295. Texting “START” will resume / reinstate the alert messages. Message and data rates may apply.

Morning Beach Conditions

May 23, 2026

Want to manage your alert preferences? Check out this video. If you have signed up for text alerts and would like to be unsubscribed, you can text “STOP” to 77295. Texting “START” will resume / reinstate the alert messages.​ Message and data rates may apply.

Want to manage your alert preferences? Check out this video.

If you have signed up for text alerts and would like to be unsubscribed, you can text “STOP” to 77295. Texting “START” will resume / reinstate the alert messages. Message and data rates may apply.