Morning Beach Conditions

May 26, 2026

A RED FLAG DAY with HIGH rip current risk south of Cape Hatteras including the beaches at Frisco, Hatteras Village and Ocracoke. Ocean conditions will lead to powerful rip currents. Ocean swimming is not recommended, stay out of the water!

A YELLOW FLAG DAY with MODERATE rip current risk at the ocean beaches from Duck to Buxton. 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 occurs around 10: 45 am today.

Expect mostly cloudy skies turning partly sunny later in the day. Showers and a chance of thunderstorms persists today. Southwest winds at 10 to 15 mph and temperatures in the low to mid 80s. Surf height around 2 to 4 feet. Water temperatures: Duck Pier...65. Jennettes Pier...66. Oregon Inlet Marina...74. Avon Pier...74.

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 26, 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.