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NWS Newport/Morehead City, NC
Hazardous Weather Banner  

Boating Hazards (High Winds/Seas)
RISK LEVEL
HAZARD DESCRIPTION
Low
  • Small craft should exercise caution. Sustained winds of 20 to 24 kt are expected, with seas on the coastal waters of 5 feet.
Moderate
  • Small craft advisory conditions with winds 25 to 33 kt expected, and seas on the coastal waters of 6 feet or higher..
High
  • Gales or even storm force winds are expected, with winds 34 kt or greater, and very high seas on the coastal waters.

General Information

Boating conditions are entirely dependent on wind and wave action. Waves heights are dependent on the strength of the wind, the duration of time the winds blow, and the amount of open water (fetch) that the wind is blowing across. As winds increase to 20 kt, and seas to 5 feet, boat handling will begin to become difficult. Only more experienced mariners should be on the water in these conditions. Once winds increas over 25 kt, with seas of 6 feet or higher, handling small boats will become very difficult, and all mariners are urged to remain in port.

For additional information visit:
Boating Safety Tips:
  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest warnings, watches, advisories and forecasts from the local National Weather Service Office.
  • Check the weather before departure. Even if the current weather is favorable, make sure a change in conditions is not expected. Wind and wave conditions can change rapidly on the open water, leaving you little time to react.
  • File a float plan at your marina.
  • Have a VHF marine band radio on board.
  • Know the limitations of your boat. Weather conditions can change quickly.

This Outlook is an Experimental Product for Planning purposes Only!!!

The local boating hazard graphics are valid for roughly a 24 hour period from the time of issuance (between 4 AM and 6 AM) until 8 AM the following morning. The highest expected risk possible for the duration of the graphic will be depicted. Only one of the listed criteria needs to be met fo inclusion in a higher risk category

Updates will be posted for significant forecast changes and as time permits. As the weather threat increases throughout the day, or becomes imminent, tornado watches and/or warnings will be issued.

The outlook graphics are an effort to improve the interpretation of our outlooks and statements. This product is provided for emergency managers, law enforcement, schools, local media, businesses, and the public. Use the graphical hazardous weather outlook to factor the threat of hazardous weather into your daily plans.

DISCLAIMER: This is an experimental service designed to supplement pre-existing, official means of communication. Timeliness and reliability of products obtained from the Internet are not guaranteed.

Click here for a detailed product description.
Click here to complete a customer feedback survey for this experimental product.
Send e-mail with your comments and suggestions to John Cole.
This project is being developed in an effort to achieve goals set forth in the National Weather Service's Strategic Plan.

Updated 7/13/2004