Morning Beach Conditions

July 19, 2026

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

LOW rip current risk north of Cape Hatteras including the ocean beaches at Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Pea Island, Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon and Buxton. While the risk for rip currents is low, life-threatening rip currents may still be present. Remember LOW risk does not mean NO risk!

Strongest rip currents often occur a couple hours either side of low tide, which happens around 6: 30 pm today.

Click here for a BEACH WARNING FLAG information video.

Expect mostly cloudy skies today with showers and thunderstorms possible. High temperatures in the upper 80s to near 90. Southwest winds at 10 to 20 mph. Surf height around 1 to 3 feet north of Cape Hatteras, 3 to 5 feet to the south. Water temperatures: Duck Pier...79. Jennettes Pier...76. Oregon Inlet Marina...83. Rodanthe Pier...81. Avon Pier...83.

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

Need a REDFLAG day beach alternative? Check out Red Flag Days | LTBRTO for options and partner discounts.

Beach nourishment project taking place in Nags Head. 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

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.

Morning Beach Conditions

July 19, 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.