The scorching sun, nearly unbearable humidity and the impenetrable clouds of insects are no deterrent for the thousands who spend the day exploring either Shackleford Banks or the Rachel Carson Reserve, the natural environment for Carteret County’s wild horse herds.

Once visitors board the passenger ferries on the mainland that head to the undeveloped barrier islands, they are forsaking modern conveniences to observe the protected species as they graze in the marsh, feast on sea oats or, if the stars align, witness the extraordinary moment when a newborn foal attempts its first steps on wobbly legs.

Shackleford Banks is the 8-mile-long southernmost barrier island of Cape Lookout National Seashore, part of the National Park Service, that has a herd of more than 100 wild horses. The Rachel Carson Reserve, which is visible from the Beaufort waterfront, protects a herd of between 20 and 30.

The National Park Service co-manages its herd with the nonprofit Foundation for Shackleford Horses Inc. that was formed in 1996 since the Shackleford Banks Wild Horses Protection Act was signed in 1998. The Rachel Carson Reserve is one of 10 sites under the North Carolina Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve, part of N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management.

The organizations have rules and guidelines in place that allow visitors to make the most of their experience while also preventing the animal from becoming habituated, and losing its “wild lifestyle.”

In an effort to help protect the public and the herds, the two agencies and the foundation have partnered for the fourth year on the Pony Patrol program. The trained volunteers, identifiable by their bright yellow T-shirts or vests, commit to spending three or four hours a few times a month during peak season at either location to help manage wildlife and visitor interactions.

“As residential growth and tourism surge along the Crystal Coast, more people than ever are encountering the wild horses that define this place,” the reserve’s Stewardship Coordinator Paula Gillikin said. “Protecting the wildness and well‑being of these iconic animals — while also ensuring public safety and enjoyment — has never been more important. The Pony Patrol volunteer program offers a powerful way to safeguard the horses, educate visitors, and create safe, respectful experiences for everyone.”

Foundation President and Chairman Margaret Poindexter told Coastal Review last week that this year’s group 50 or so volunteers, referred to as the “Pony Patrollers,” is the biggest yet and “We’ve been blown away by their enthusiasm.”

All Pony Patrollers, both new and returning, went through training in April and began May 14 their three- and four-hour shifts, giving the organizations and volunteers time to smooth any wrinkles ahead of the notoriously busy Memorial Day weekend.

“The new folks have paired with veterans to get the benefit of their experience and insight. We’ve had coverage that exceeds what’s required, and we were well-staffed over the holiday weekend, which can be crazy sometimes,” Poindexter continued. “Going into June, signups for shifts outpaces the minimum commitment from the volunteers.”

Poindexter said that in conjunction with the foundation’s 30th anniversary celebration this year and to recognize the service of the Pony Patrol volunteers, the foundation is sponsoring a photography exhibit and competition to be on display at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center’s gallery at 806 Arendell St. in Morehead City. Core Sound is a community-focused history museum and gathering place on Harkers Island. The gallery is part of its outreach programming.

The opening reception is from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Core Sound’s Morehead City gallery. The exhibit will be on display all summer.

Poindexter said the foundation wanted this exhibit to be different from others the organization has hosted in the past.

“We wanted to create an opportunity to recognize the service and dedication of our Pony Patrol volunteers, and we have some really gifted photographers among them,” Poindexer said.

“We thought an exhibit of photos, showcasing not only their talent, but more importantly, demonstrating their passion and love for the wild horses would help us show the public how fortunate we are to have this unique group of folks serving on Pony Patrol,” she continued. “As the Foundation turns 30, it’s gratifying to know that we have such a committed group of volunteers looking out for the wild horses going forward.”

Mark and Lynn Golitz, owners Bluesail Golitz Studios in downtown Morehead City, are judging the competition. Winners will be announced at the reception.

“Mark is a potter and Lynn is a painter, and together they are a creative force in our community. They are advocates for our local wild horses, they have wholeheartedly supported the work of the Foundation for years, and we are so grateful for their support,” Poindexter said.

There will also be a chance for folks to vote for People’s Choice while exhibit is up and the winner will be announced at the end of the show. 

Pony Patrol began as an idea in the late 2010s but didn’t take off until four years ago.

“We started meeting in 2019 about the program details, scheduled it for its first season in 2020, and then it was shelved because of the pandemic. We were able to get it back on track and launched it in 2023,” Poindexter explained.

The all-call for volunteers for the 2026 season went out early in the year and those selected were required to take part in a training session held April 15 in the N.C. Maritime Museum in Beaufort.

The volunteers learned the history and goals of the program, heard from representatives of the National Park Service, NCDEQ, local law enforcement, how to speak with visitors and what is needed to prepare for the shifts that require being able to trudge through sand while dealing with extreme sun, heat, humidity, wind, and bugs.

There were a lot of new faces at the training, including Kim Ridel, a resident of Morehead City.

She said in an interview that she volunteered for the program when a friend who’s been a Pony Patroller since it started shared information with her about its purpose.

“I have been coming to this area all of my life, and I’ve been fortunate enough to live here full-time for the last several years. The ponies have always been a part of my best Carteret County days, and I’m really excited to share what I’ve learned about them through Pony Patrol, with visitors and locals alike,” Ridel said. “I’m also very committed to educating people about how important it is to let these incredible animals continue to live their best natural lives, by watching from a safe distance, keeping pets on leashes and not interfering with them — which will hopefully allow us to continue to coexist in the best way.”

When Ridel first spoke to Coastal Review on May 15, she said she expected to be “flying solo” during her first shift May 21, but was paired with an experienced Pony Patroller. Ridel said in a follow up email asking about her first shift, that the afternoon “went great.”

“The weather was beautiful,” Ridel said Wednesday in a follow-up email. They spotted nine horses during the shift, “all of which seemed to be doing well. The people we talked to were curious and respectful and it was a great first time.”

Boaters in North Carolina can learn how to operate their vessel safely and legally without leaving home through an online boating safety course recently approved by the state.

BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water announced Wednesday that North Carolina is one of more than a dozen states that “now have a convenient free online course option that meets their state-specific boating education requirements.”

The course available at no charge on the website teaches navigation rules, safety equipment, handling emergencies and protecting the environment.

“Expanding into 15 additional states means more boaters can access boater safety education at no cost,” said Lynne O’Hearn, BoatUS Foundation program manager. “We believe cost should never be a barrier to learning how to boat safely, and these new state-approved courses help ensure more people have the education they need before they leave the dock.”

Designed to be completed in two to four hours, the self-paced course offers five interactive lessons that immerse students in a virtual boating experience, guiding them through different destinations while tracking progress.

The curriculum includes video-based learning, and concludes with a 60-question final exam with unlimited retake opportunities that can be completed at the student’s own pace.

Upon successful completion, most states issue a printable certificate that can be used immediately, though requirements and validity may vary by state. 

For more information about BoatUS Foundation’s additional free boating courses, visit the website. 

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune officials remind the public that Browns Island and its nearby waters are strictly off-limits because of the unexploded ordnances and ongoing live-fire training exercises that take place on the federally owned barrier island in Onslow County.

The restricted areas include all navigable waters in the area between the south bank of Bear Creek and the north bank of Browns Inlet, including the creeks and tributaries leading to and around Browns Island.

Officials, in their announcement May 22, added that military police, in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard, regularly patrol the area.

“The primary safety hazards around and on Browns Island are everything from 500-pound air-delivered bombs all the way down to 25- and 40-millimeter high-explosive dual-purpose munitions,” explained Lt. Col. Jeffrey Cummings, director of Range Control, for Camp Lejeune, in the announcement.

“Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune wants to ensure the safety of our boating public,” Cummings added.

“Civilian watercraft must never beach or drop anchor on or near restricted areas that are posted with warning signs,” he continued. “Bottom-disturbing activities such as clamming, oystering or crabbing are prohibited. Foot traffic is also prohibited on any of the land areas on or about Browns Island at all times.”

Trespassers can face severe penalties, including citations that may require an appearance before a federal magistrate, and are subject to fines up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

For additional information on the off-limits areas and safety restrictions surrounding Browns Island, visit the base’s website.

With a “troubling rise” in boating fatalities already reported in North Carolina this year, state officials are emphasizing safe boating practices and the dangers of operating vessels under the influence ahead of the summer travel season.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and State Highway Patrol, with support from local police and sheriff’s officers and non-governmental organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, have kicked off the annual campaign On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive.

“While the overall number of boating incidents investigated has been declining in recent years, last year we saw a troubling rise in fatal boating incidents,” Lt. Anna Barbosa stated in a release. “So far this year, fatalities have currently surpassed last year’s numbers. Our goal is for everyone to enjoy their day on the water and return home safely. To do so, avoid alcohol while boating—or if you choose to drink, designate a sober operator. And remember, life jackets save lives—don’t just have enough on board. Make sure everyone wears one.”

Authorities have investigated 26 boating incidents, five of which were fatal, already this year, according to the Wildlife Resources Commission. Alcohol was a factor in three of those fatal incidents, which have resulted in the deaths of five people.

Statistically, that’s a more than 65% increase during this same time period a year ago, according to the commission.

Last year, there were 25 fatal boating incidents, six of which included passengers wearing personal flotation devices, reported in the state. Alcohol was reported in four of those incidents.

The number of boating incidents has slightly decreased a little more than 9% from the year prior.

Most recreational boating incidents occur between the months of June and August, with operation inattention being a leading cause of accidents, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive supports National Safe Boating Week, which started May 16 and runs through May 22.

For additional boating safety information visit ncwildlife.gov/boating.

Resources to help prepare for tropical storms will be in one place 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 30, during Carteret County’s annual hurricane preparedness expo at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City.

Carteret County Emergency Services, Carteret County government and the National Weather Service’s Newport office are offering the expo ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30.

During the expo, representatives from North Carolina Emergency Management, Carteret County departments and other organizations will be available to answer questions, and provide preparedness resources.

Information presentations are to begin at 9:30 a.m. and will include “Preparedness for Hurricane Season 2026” by Warning Coordination Meteorologist Erik Heden, emergency managers, county staff and community organizations, including the Salvation Army and local volunteer groups.

There are some vendor spots still available for businesses and nonprofits that provide storm-related services, supplies and resources. To reserve a vendor space, visit carteretcountync.gov. 

For more information, call Carteret County Emergency Services at 252-222-5841.

Reprinted from N.C. Health News

North Carolina’s struggle with PFAS contamination underscores the unintended consequences that can follow widespread chemical use — even as Congress is considering overhauling the nation’s foremost chemical safety law.

That law, the Toxic Substances Control Act, governs how industrial chemicals are reviewed and regulated in the United States. Passed in 1976 and overhauled by a Republican Congress in 2016, the chemical safety law sets standards for the data companies must provide, the timeline federal regulators have to review new chemicals and whether substances can enter commerce.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin has defended proposed changes to TSCA as a way to make chemical reviews more predictable and efficient while maintaining safety standards. In announcing the proposal, Zeldin said the agency aims to provide “a clear, predictable, commonsense approach that’s grounded in the law and the science.” He added that reforms are intended to protect health and the environment while allowing American manufacturing to thrive.

Critics say industry interests are driving the push for changes.

“It’s clear that the chemical industry is engaged in a full court press to try to make some amendments to TSCA,” said Stan Meiburg, former acting deputy administrator of the EPA and retired head of The Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability at Wake Forest University, in an interview with NC Health News.

In North Carolina, contamination from PFAS and other industrial chemicals evaluated under TSCA brought enforcement of the act into sharp public focus.

Often called “forever chemicals,” PFAS persist in the environment and have been linked to such human health issues as elevated cholesterol, immune suppression, developmental effects and certain cancers. Once contamination is discovered, cleanup can take years and cost utilities — and taxpayers — millions.

Much of the current debate in Washington centers on required environmental review of the law’s fee authority, mandated under the 2016 amendments. The law allows EPA to collect fees from chemical manufacturers to help fund safety reviews, and it requires the agency to periodically reassess whether those fees are sufficient. That authority will expire at the end of fiscal year 2026 unless Congress renews it, which raises broader questions about how federal chemical oversight will be funded. 

The disagreement has played out publicly in recent congressional hearings, where lawmakers debated whether the chemical evaluation process should be simplified to accelerate the review process.

Speed vs. safety

That tension surfaced during two January hearings, a Jan. 8 session before the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology and a Jan. 22 hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, where lawmakers debated whether to move chemical reviews along more quickly or strengthen oversight under TSCA.

Supporters of overhauling the law said the process needs greater efficiency and clearer timelines, while critics argue that speeding reviews without strengthening scientific capacity could weaken protections.

“EPA is required to complete new chemical reviews within 90 days,” Charlotte Bertrand, a senior director at the American Chemistry Council, said during the Jan. 8 House hearing. “Yet more than 90 percent of active reviews exceed that statutory deadline. Over 60 percent remain pending for more than a year — and some for several years.”

Without changes, she added, delays in chemical approvals could put American manufacturers at a global disadvantage, particularly when compared with China.

Meiburg, who testified at the Jan. 8 hearing, warned against prioritizing speed over scientific rigor.

“Quick decisions do not serve the public if they are not based on the best science, are inconsistent with the law, are unduly influenced by interested parties or not transparent,” Meiburg told lawmakers.

His warning comes as the agency’s scientific capacity has faced reductions. Last year, the Trump administration announced plans to reduce the organization’s funding by 65 percent, a proposal that has resulted in substantial cuts to the Office of Research and Development — the agency’s primary science arm and the division responsible for conducting chemical risk evaluations under TSCA.

At the Jan. 22 House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee hearing, Tracey Woodruff, professor at the University of California, San Francisco, and director of its Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, argued that the proposed reforms would weaken safeguards built into the 2016 amendments.

“The proposed changes would remove public health guardrails and undermine EPA’s ability to protect people from harmful chemicals,” Woodruff said.

Environmental advocates echoed those concerns, arguing that shortening timelines or narrowing data requirements could increase the risk of overlooking potential health and environmental harms — especially if EPA lacks sufficient scientific staffing and resources.

A looming deadline

Beyond the mechanics of fee renewal, former EPA Administrator Michael Regan said the broader issue is whether the agency has the resources to carry out the law as written. While the statute itself remains strong, Congress has not provided funding to match the expanded responsibilities created under the 2016 overhaul, he said.

“When you reduce government the way it has been done over the last year or so, you are actually reducing the ability for TSCA to work the way Congress intended it,” Regan told NC Health News during an interview.

Under TSCA, companies submitting new chemicals pay review fees, while manufacturers of existing chemicals selected for formal risk evaluations share the cost of those more extensive, multi-year assessments. Those fees, which can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars depending on the type of review, help fund EPA’s scientific staff and risk evaluation work.

That authority is set to expire at the end of fiscal year 2026 unless Congress renews it, giving lawmakers leverage not only to adjust fee levels but also to revisit broader elements of the law.

For North Carolina communities, the stakes are not abstract. PFAS contamination in the Cape Fear River has required costly treatment upgrades and years of regulatory and legal action. Supporters of strong oversight argue that thorough, well-resourced reviews are far less expensive than responding after widespread contamination occurs.

Meiburg said the lesson from decades of chemical regulation is straightforward.

“Preventing pollution is always cheaper than repairing damage later,” he said.

This article first appeared on North Carolina Health News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

While North Carolina residents are dealing with the inches of snowfall in the aftermath of this weekend’s winter storm, National Park Service officials on the Outer Banks are also dealing with the debris left behind by four more houses collapsing on Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s beaches.

National Park Service Public Affairs Specialist Mike Barber told Coastal Review Monday that Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials were notified that a house in Buxton collapsed earlier in the day, around 9 a.m. It was the fourth unoccupied house to collapse since Sunday morning.

The first house at 46201 Tower Circle Road collapsed early Sunday morning. Overnight, two more unoccupied houses at 46215 and 46219 Tower Circle Road fell, then the fourth house, which was at 46285 Old Lighthouse Road, Buxton. These four bring to 31 the total number of houses to collapse on the seashore’s beaches since 2020.

“Cape Hatteras National Seashore advises everyone to stay away from the collapse sites and the surrounding beach area, due to potentially hazardous debris. The beach is closed in front of the entire village of Buxton,” Barber said.

The Outer Banks, like much of the coast, continued to experience compromised roadways Monday and people were advised to stay off the roads unless necessary.

State transportation officials closed N.C. Highway 12 Saturday evening between the Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe, as well as on the north end of Ocracoke. They said Monday that the road would remain closed, “as we continue to see ocean overwash from this weekend’s nor’easter. Overwash also occurring at Buxton corner and on Rodanthe secondaries. Crews will be out working to clear today.”

N.C. 12 experienced ocean overwash and dune breaches on Pea Island Sunday morning, as well in Buxton and in Hatteras.

Additionally, all ferry routes were suspended Friday and remain suspended until conditions are deemed safe for operation, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

NCDOT crews said they were making progress Monday clearing interstates and highways, but dangerous icy spots may remain because temperatures remained low. Gov. Josh Stein’s office and transportation officials urged people to stay off snow- and ice-covered roads and warned people to beware of black ice, which forms when ice and snow melt and then refreeze overnight into hard-to-see slippery patches.

As of late Monday, there were 2,500 NCDOT employees and contractors working to plow snow and spread salt on the highways and secondary routes. Since the storm began affecting the coast Saturday, crews have spread more than 23,000 tons of salt and plowed thousands of miles of roads.

Stein said that the state was “working around the clock to clear roads and get people back to their daily lives as quickly and safely as possible, but because temperatures will remain low overnight, this process takes time. We ask for your patience, and if you need to be on the roads this week, I urge you to slow down, give extra distance, and use caution while traveling.”

His office reported that the sunshine Monday, with temperatures reaching the upper 30s to lower 40s, allowed for snow that fell over the weekend to melt. However, that water will likely refreeze after sunset Monday evening because temperatures are forecast to fall into the teens and 20s.

Temperatures will warm into the low to mid 40s Tuesday before a cold front approaches the region.

The National Weather Service said Monday that for parts of eastern North Carolina, a light wintry mix of snow and freezing rain was possible Wednesday night.

“Please continue to remain vigilant as we are still experiencing extremely cold temperatures across the state,” NC Emergency Management Director Will Ray said in a statement. “As a reminder, several hazards remain, such as the risk of freezing pipes in homes. There are many people in our communities that are especially vulnerable to prolonged cold temperatures, so please check on your friends, family, and neighbors.”

Currituck County Emergency Management, in a social media post around lunchtime Monday, said that NCDOT crews were actively out working on the primary roadways throughout the county.

“While some roads are improving, many side roads remain covered with snow and ice, and freezing temperatures are keeping conditions slick. As temperatures drop and the sun goes down tonight, please be alert for black ice: a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice that forms when moisture refreezes on road surfaces. Black ice is especially common on bridges, shaded areas, overpasses, and low-lying roads, and can cause vehicles to lose traction with little warning,” they warned. “If you must travel, slow down, increase your following distance, and use extra caution. If you can stay home, that remains the safest option.”

Carteret County sent out a similar message Monday.

“Some roadways still have several inches of snow coverage, and partially melted snow and ice are expected to refreeze overnight, creating dangerous travel conditions. Residents are urged to stay off the roads if possible. If travel is necessary, exercise extreme caution, as icy conditions may make driving at posted speeds extremely dangerous and cause vehicles to lose traction with little warning,” according to Carteret County government officials. “Secondary and less-traveled roads are more likely to remain untreated and pose additional risks. Remaining off the roads also allows first responders and emergency management staff to continue their work safely.

Largely because of travel concerns, most county government offices were closed Monday because of the weather, and several had announced plans to close Tuesday as well, including Beaufort, Carteret, Gates, Pamlico, Dare and Hyde counties.

Record snowfall in coastal counties

Assistant State Climatologist Corey Davis, in a blog on this weekend’s snow storm, called the accumulated snow that fell all across North Carolina, “our most widespread wintry event in more than a dozen years, and the biggest snow for some areas in several decades.”

For parts of eastern North Carolina, this was the snowstorm of a lifetime, he continued.

“More than a foot fell over the central Coastal Plain, surpassing every other wintry event so far this century. The 12.5 inches in New Bern and 15 inches in Newport made this the first foot of snow for both areas since December 1989. The highest totals in the state came along the Crystal Coast, including 19.5 inches in Peletier and 17 inches in Swansboro,” he wrote.

In Cape Carteret, near whiteout conditions were observed on Saturday, Davis continues, bordering on blizzard criteria. Beaufort reported three consecutive hours with visibility of a quarter-mile or less, wind gusts of 35 mph or greater, and heavy snow falling or blowing.

Northeast North Carolina from Friday to Sunday experienced between 6 and 10.5 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service Wakefield, Virginia, office, which provides the forecast for the region that includes Ahoskie, Elizabeth City and Currituck County.

Mainland Hyde County experienced a widespread swath of 8 to 12 inches, with localized snowfall totals in some townships exceeding 12 to 16 inches. For Ocracoke Island, “reliable totals” range from 4 to 6 inches, and that accumulation was coupled with “significant coastal flooding and inundation,” county officials announced Monday.

Heading south, centrally located counties including Beaufort, Carteret, Craven, Dare, Pamlico, Onslow and Tyrrell saw between 2 and 19 inches. Dare experienced the least amount with 2 to 11 inches and Carteret, Craven and Pamlico had areas getting hit with more than 18 inches, according to the Weather Service office in Newport.

“Most remarkably, along the Pamlico River in Beaufort County, this was the first foot of snow in more than 67 years, since December 1958. In that region, reported totals included 17 inches in Bath, 15 inches in Bayview, and 13 inches in Belhaven,” Davis explains in the blog.

“Along with having a strong, moisture-laden low pressure system just offshore, a key factor in ramping up the snowfall amounts was the cold air that created unusually high snow-to-liquid ratios for this part of the country. While Wilmington only measured 0.32 inches of liquid precipitation, that yielded 5.8 inches of fluffy snow – the heaviest snow there since 1989 – at an impressive 18-to-1 ratio,” Davis wrote.

In a Monday morning announcement, Holden Beach officials in Brunswick County warned residents that, although the bridge to the island had reopened, roads on the island were “treacherous.”

Holden Beach’s neighboring island to the west, Ocean Isle Beach, was covered in a whopping 15 inches of snow, according to estimated totals based on National Weather Service reports and local observations.

Farther north in Brunswick County, Leland, Bolivia and Southport all received a reported 9 inches of snow.

Brunswick County announced its offices and facilities will reopen at 10 a.m. Tuesday. The Brunswick County Commissioners meeting postponed Monday had not been rescheduled as of this report.

In New Hanover County, a reported 9 inches of snow accumulated in Carolina Beach. Wilmington saw less with a little under 6 inches of snow.

And, in Pender County, Hampstead received 10 inches of snow, while farther north, areas of Onslow County got upwards from 13 inches accumulation.

From a science perspective

Davis explained to Coastal Review that the coast was hit so hard because, “to put it simply, this was a strong nor’easter setup that happened to be cold enough for snow.”

He said that anytime the state gets these low-pressure systems right off the coast, whether they’re tropical storms or winter storms, “we know they’re capable of some major impacts. And we saw a lot of those typical impacts in this event, including the gusty winds and high surf that has already claimed a couple more houses along the Outer Banks.”

Davis compared this system and the nor’easter that moved up the coast October 2025.

The main low-pressure center started to deepen at pretty much the same location just south of Cape Fear, and the minimum pressure observed at Hatteras was nearly identical: 998.8 millibars in October, and 998.4 millibars during this storm. A millibar is a metric measurement of atmospheric pressure.

“If this had happened at any other time of year, we would have been talking about similar impacts, but with rain instead of snow. Having such cold temperatures in place so far south meant that it fell as all snow, and the snow-to-liquid ratios were off the charts compared to what we’re accustomed to. That let a lot of snow add up very quickly, and with the wind added in, that snow covered everything, and deep,” Davis continued.

When it comes to climate change and storms like these, Davis noted that a “common, or at least vocal, misconception about climate change is that it can and will make cold and snow impossible.”

He explained that while warming temperatures do make some wintry events — like the one from this previous weekend — more marginal for anything frozen, cold and snow are still a part of the winter climate, and big events like this can and do still occur.

“Of course, we’ve also seen the flip side of that, with a nearly three-year stretch with no measurable snowfall across much of the state, the average annual snowfall nearly cut in half in places like Charlotte and Raleigh, and steady warming in our wintertime low temperatures at the rate of about a degree per decade. All of those things — warming with snow events becoming rarer, along with seeing an occasional big snowfall — can still be true,” Davis explained.

“As a scientist, I think it’s important to acknowledge our certainty about climate changes and future projections. We’re very confident that the overall warming trend, especially in our nighttime low temperatures, will continue into the future, and that will continue to reduce our overall snow totals and snow event frequency. We’re less certain about how coastal winter storms like this one may change in the future,” he continued. “We often think about these climate trends as clearly pointing in one direction, but that’s really not true for projections of coastal storms like this, and there are competing forces that may affect how they evolve.”

He said that on one hand, these systems originate in tropical areas and strengthen over the warm ocean, which we know is warming at an even faster rate than the atmosphere, letting these coastal lows strengthen faster and pull in more moisture. But, on the other hand, it’s getting tougher to get temperatures cold enough over land to see all-snow events. These lows tend to bring in warm air in the mid-levels that causes precipitation to transition from snow to sleet, freezing rain, or regular rain, like we saw a couple of weekends ago.

“You might say that this storm offered up the best — or worst, depending on your perspective — of our past and future climates. We had that deep layer of cold air like we saw during our big storms back in the 1970s and 80s, but also a rapidly intensifying coastal low in a very warm and moist ocean environment that was able to drop extreme snowfall amounts,” he said. “That doesn’t mean this sort of event will get any more common in the future. It is now, and always will be, a rare collision of circumstances to bring such a major winter storm over such a large part of the state.”

Though there’s piles of snow out there, Davis said to keep in mind that, in terms of the liquid precipitation totals, most areas saw less than an inch of total liquid during this event, which he said is “a surprisingly low amount, given how much snow we received.”

That matters because it may mean the state sees less drought recovery than expected.

“Most of eastern North Carolina is still in moderate to severe drought, and even after the storm, places like Wilmington, Greenville, and Fayetteville are more than 10 inches below their normal precipitation over the past six months,” Davis said. “We may see some small improvements this week based on that precipitation, and the gradual snow melt may bring a slow recharge in streamflow and soil moisture levels over the next few weeks. But this winter is still tracking as a dry one overall, and we could use some more precipitation in any form before the end of the season to keep from entering the spring and the growing season with a bad drought still going on.”

National Weather Service meteorologists are scheduled to give two presentations on hurricane preparedness in September.

A forum is scheduled as part of “Help Ahead of a Storm: Resilience Strategies for Today and Tomorrow” taking place from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, in Belhaven Boys and Girls Club, 225 Pentego St. Dinner will be provided.

The weather service’s Newport office is hosting the community preparedness forum set to start at noon Saturday, Sept. 13, in Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church, 890 Merrimon Road, Beaufort. A meteorologist will review the range of impacts any tropical cyclone can bring, and the hurricane outlook for the rest of 2025.

Register online to attend either forum, both of which are being offered at no charge.

In addition to hurricane preparedness, attendees of the event in Belhaven will be able to learn about resilience projects in town, the stormwater action plan under development, water level monitoring results, and resources such as local flood insurance providers and information on home-elevation programs.

Related: National Weather Service staff to answer hurricane questions

Contact Belhaven Town Manager Lynn Davis at 252-943-3055, or Jamie Heath with the Mid-East Commission at 252-296-1656 for more information on the Belhaven program.

Contact meteorologist Erik Heden at erik.heden@noaa.gov with questions about the hurricane forums.

So far this summer, the National Weather Service’s Newport office has led forums in Wanchese, Rodanthe, Trenton, Snow Hill, Havelock, Nags Head, Oriental and Pine Knoll Shores. All were recorded and available on the website.

Effects of Hurricane Erin, including flooding, storm surge and overwash have already begun on the coast, and will worsen overnight, National Weather Service meteorologists said late Wednesday morning.

“Despite the path of Erin forecast to remain offshore, the threat for life-threatening rip currents, damaging beach erosion, major coastal flooding and overwash, and extremely dangerous surf continues as expected,” forecasters said. “Erin is expected to increase in storm size, and tropical storm force winds will reach the coast, especially the Outer Banks.”

Gov. Josh Stein and state emergency management and transportation officials reiterated during a press briefing Wednesday that the coast will feel the effects event though the storm will pass a few hundred miles offshore.

“Based on the current forecast, we are anticipating coastal flooding from massive waves, tropical storm force winds, and tidal and storm surge for much of the state shoreline, especially the Outer Banks, from this evening through Thursday,” as well as life threatening rip currents, and extensive beach erosion along much of the coast, Stein said.

As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, Hurricane Erin was about 335 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras with maximum sustained winds at 110 mph. The storm was moving north at 13 mph and is forecast to move northwest, and then northeast through midweek.

Storm surge warnings and tropical storm warnings were in effect Wednesday for Cape Lookout to Duck. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Beaufort Inlet to Chincoteague, Virginia, including Pamlico and Albemarle sounds. Moderate to significant storm surge inundation of 2 to 4 feet above ground level is expected along the oceanside north of Cape Lookout, and the worst impacts will likely be felt along the Outer Banks on Ocracoke and Hatteras islands, forecasters said.

Strong rip currents are expected through the remainder of the week, and extensive beach erosion is likely. Waves could reach 20 feet in height with wave periods of 15 or more seconds, with the highest on the Outer Banks.

Warning Coordination Meteorologist Erik Heden with the National Weather Service’s Newport office said during his midday briefing Wednesday that, in terms of impacts, the forecast hadn’t changed since Sunday.

A borderline Category 3 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, Hurricane Erin was starting to turn to the north, Heden said, and his office has “high confidence” the storm was going to turn to the northeast. Category 3 winds are from 111 to 129 mph.

Heden urged those along the coast to keep in mind that if Erin gets a little stronger or weakens in terms of just wind speed overnight, that “doesn’t matter for us. We’re still going to have high impacts along our coast,” Heden said. “No matter what happens to the strength, please know that our impacts have not changed.”

Stein, during his briefing, reminded listeners that states of emergency had been declared for Currituck, Dare and Hyde counties. Mandatory evacuations were put in place for visitors and residents earlier this week for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands.

“Yesterday, I declared a state of emergency across North Carolina to facilitate our emergency response and to keep you safe,” which enables the state government “to send critical resources from across the state and around the country to respond,” he said.

Stein said he wanted to emphasize “the importance of taking this storm seriously, because it’s a serious storm and conditions can deteriorate quickly, please take these steps to ensure your safety,” which include staying informed by following reputable sources like the National Weather Service and local media, having a disaster kit ready, and an evacuation plan set.

“And finally, do not drive through floodwaters. Too many people have died driving into flooded roadways. Don’t do it. You do not know how deep the water is or how fast it is running, so please don’t drown. Turn around. We do not want you to become a casualty of Hurricane Erin,” he said.

State Emergency Management Director Will Ray said he wanted to remind everyone, that “regardless of the track of the center of the storm, dangerous conditions can be felt far from the eye, especially with the system as large as Erin.”

Wave action and storm surges of 2 to 4 feet will likely erode dunes along portions of the coast, especially east- and southeast-facing beaches and the Outer Banks, and cause numerous roadways to become impassable, especially N.C. Highway 12.

Ray said no significant federal resources were expected to be needed to support response, but the agency would continue to reassess throughout the storm.

He said coordination around problems such as abandoned or derelict vessels, or anything that could create hazardous debris in waterways, “those are conversations we’ve been having over the course of this week with the various federal agencies.” Those include the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Coast Guard providing support, “on how we, one, support life safety missions in those impacted areas, but also have the right federal resources postured should they be needed to deal with some of the infrastructure impacts there.”

When asked about long-term plans to preserve N.C. 12, Stein said officials will have to wait and see what the extent of the damage is from this storm.

“Look, people love our Outer Banks. It’s a national treasure, and you need to be able to get to them. We have ferries that take us to the islands, but this is an important road for North Carolina,” Stein said. “So many people live there. There’s so much tourism dollars that goes on that road. It is an important asset to the state. And then we need to do everything we can to protect and preserve it.”

North Carolina Department of Transportation officials in a press release shortly after Stein spoke advised people on the coast to avoid traveling starting Wednesday night because the rain and winds from the western edge of the storm could flood and damage coastal bridges and roads, including N.C. 12.

A beach survey contractor drove over the legs of a young woman who was lying on the beach Monday on the beach in Oak Island.

Town officials announced that Oak Island Public Safety units were dispatched to the public beach area between Keziah Street and Womble Street at 2:11 p.m. Monday in response to a pedestrian who had been struck by a vehicle driving on the beach.

The 15-year-old female was evaluated on scene for possible injuries that were not life-threatening and was later transported to Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center in Bolivia for further evaluation.

Town officials said that because of the victim’s age she would not be identified.

No criminal charges will be filed against the driver, the town’s police department told Coastal Review.

The vehicle was a 2020 model GMC pickup truck owned by TI Coastal Services, a private contractor conducting a beach survey for engineering firm Moffatt & Nichol in preparation for an upcoming beach nourishment project. Officials said the survey began July 7 and was expected to take two weeks.

Town officials noted that there were erroneous reports on social media and other platforms that the accident was caused by the town’s Beach Safety Unit during its regular patrols.

“Claims such as this can quickly cause the spread of misinformation, and lead to a dangerous lack of trust in first responders,” stated town officials in the announcement.

Large, deep holes left by dig-loving beachgoers on Oak Island’s ocean shore have prompted the town’s council to restrict the depth and the tools that may be used to shovel recreational holes on the public beach.

The Oak Island Town Council on July 8 updated ordinance 14-142, which addresses digging holes on the beach, to include specific rules that go beyond the original ordinance’s wording that holes be “be attended at all times and filled prior to leaving the beach.”

The update was made in response to “the recent call volume and overwhelming safety concerns” that have resulted from deep holes beachgoers have left on the town’s ocean shore,” according to a release the Brunswick County town issued Friday.

“Since the start of May 2025, the Oak Island Beach Safety Unit has responded to and filled in over 205 large, deep holes left unattended on the public beach areas,” the release states. “Deep holes in the sand can be dangerous to beachgoers, wildlife, and Beach Safety crews responding to emergencies. At well over 100 lbs. per cubic foot, the weight of sand from a collapsed hole can immediately crush most children, small pets, and wildlife.”

These holes can be difficult to see, particularly at night, and regularly cause damage to emergency equipment and severe injuries to people, pets and wildlife walking the beach.

The amended ordinance mandates that holes may be dug only using toy shovels, not more than one foot deep, must be attended at all times, and completely filled by 6 p.m.

Violators will face a $50 fine issued by the Beach Safety Unit or the Oak Island Police Department.

For additional information, visit OakIslandNC.gov/HOLES.

The National Weather Service’s Morehead City office staff have scheduled forums in the coming weeks along the coast to help residents prepare for peak hurricane season.

The first forum is set for 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, in Oceanview Hall at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, being held in partnership with Dare County Emergency Management.

The public is encouraged to attend the forum, particularly those who are new to the area and have not been through a hurricane or tropical weather event. Though registration is not required, organizers ask those planning to attend to fill out the online form with their contact information in the event the forum is canceled

National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Michael Brennan will kick off the discussion with a virtual presentation. Brennan will offer an expert outlook on the 2025 hurricane season, and discuss storm surge and other critical threats from the center’s perspective.

A meteorologist is to follow with a talk about hurricanes and their impacts on the eastern part of the state. The presentation will cover why it’s important to focus on more than just the category of the storm, and the impacts any tropical cyclone can bring.

Also during the presentation, attendees can learn how to prepare and actions to take before, during and after a storm. There will be time to ask questions.

Additional forums are scheduled for the following:

• 6:30 p.m. July 21 at Havelock City Hall.
• 1 p.m. Aug. 14 in Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Building.
• 6 p.m. Aug. 14 at Coastal Studies Institute on the East Carolina University Outer Banks campus in Wanchese.

Some of these forums will be live streamed, and the recording will be posted afterwards. As more forums are scheduled, the details will be added to the website.

Update 4:30 p.m. Tuesday: The Ocracoke fireworks have been canceled due to the threat of thunderstorms and high winds forecast for Wednesday, July 2. The pre-fireworks gathering at the National Park Service docks has also been canceled.

Original post:

There are two fireworks shows planned for this week in celebration of the Fourth of July holiday on Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

A permitted show is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. Wednesday at the south end of Ocracoke Island and at 9 p.m. Friday at the Avon Fishing Pier.

Seashore officials are taking the opportunity to remind the public that it is illegal to detonate fireworks, or have fireworks in your possession, on all seashore beaches, including those on Ocracoke Island and in Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village.

“In addition to fireworks being illegal and a significant fire risk to local communities, the personal use of fireworks can be a considerable nuisance to humans, pets and wildlife,” officials said, adding that seashore law enforcement are to patrol beaches throughout the holiday week.

As North Carolina readies for another extremely hot summer, Gov. Josh Stein’s office warns that federal cuts could affect the state’s heat-related programs.

The National Weather Service projects a 40 to 50% chance that the state will experience above-normal temperatures for June, July and August, based on its seasonal temperature outlook issued earlier this month.

“North Carolina is preparing for another summer of record heat. While you are outside this summer, please take the necessary steps to prevent heat exhaustion and illness,” Gov. Josh Stein said Tuesday in a release announcing May 25-31 as North Carolina Heat Awareness Week.

Stein’s office said Tuesday that federal budget and staffing cuts at agencies like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency threaten programs that support heat safety.

“Our environmental health and epidemiology teams conduct critical work every day to inform North Carolinians of potential health effects of extreme heat, as well as ensure resources are available for those who experience heat-related illness,” Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai said in a release. “Cuts to these services would be detrimental to the health and well-being of the more than 11 million people who call North Carolina home.”

In an email responding to questions, a DHHS representative said Tuesday that the federal cuts “have put environmental health services that support clean drinking water, childhood lead poisoning prevention, food safety, and monitoring of environmental health and climate data at risk at the state and local levels.”

One of the programs at risk is the state’s Climate and Health Program, which “is part of a national public health effort to anticipate and prepare for human health effects related to global and local climate change.”

North Carolina’s Climate and Health program supports a handful of tools, including the state heat health alert system, which sends notifications and alerts when the weather is forecasted to reach unhealthy levels.

“Last year, more than 1,200 alerts were sent to inform local communities, share our Communications Toolkit, and keep people in North Carolina safe,” a representative told Coastal Review.

The state’s surveillance system that tracks emergency department visits for heat-related illnesses is also in jeopardy. Weekly statewide reports are published online “to provide timely and actionable public health information for decision-makers at the state and local levels,” according to the department.

During the summer of 2024, there were 4,688 heat-related illness emergency department visits, nearly a 20% increase from 2023, Stein’s office said.

Also at risk is a new farmworker health training program, in collaboration with the Health and Human Services’ Office of Rural Health, which will help providers identify and treat heat-related illnesses and other farmworker health hazards.

The CDC, under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has funded the state’s Climate and Health Program since 2010, and received in late 2024 funding through 2026, according to the state health agency. The national climate and health program “supports state, tribal, local, and territorial public health agencies as they prepare for climate change’s health impacts.”

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans March 27 to restructure the entire agency, and the CDC wasn’t immune.

According to dozens of reports in late March and early April, the Atlanta-based CDC lost around 2,400 employees as part of the restructuring. These cuts wiped out the center’s Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice within the National Center for Environmental Health, which manages programs on climate and health, asthma, and lead poisoning prevention.

“We aren’t just reducing bureaucratic sprawl. We are realigning the organization with its core mission and our new priorities in reversing the chronic disease epidemic,” Kennedy said at the time.

In February, the state Health and Human Services was notified of cuts to National Institutes for Health that impact the Office of Rural Health.

Reports came out in late March that the entire state Health and Human Services would eliminate dozens of positions and lose tens of millions in funding, mostly associated with disease and behavioral health.

“The federal grant funding impacts a number of areas of work including immunization efforts, funding for the new NC Immunization Registry, infectious disease monitoring and response, behavioral health, substance use disorder services, and more. Some of the impacted funding supports work that is completed by local health departments, universities, hospitals and local departments of social services,” a state DHHS representative told Coastal Review on Wednesday.

Kennedy has gone before House and Senate committees in the last few weeks to defend the agency’s draft budget, and was grilled about the previous and expected cuts and gutting of health programs.

Heat health, ‘Climate warming trends’

“Several communities across North Carolina experienced their hottest days ever recorded in 2024, and 2025 is likely to continue this trend,” according to the governor’s office, and extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of deaths each year among weather-related hazards.

Heat-related illnesses can affect anyone regardless of age or physical condition. Outdoor workers, infants and children, older adults, pregnant people, athletes, low-income individuals and people with underlying health conditions are at a disproportionate risk of experiencing adverse health effects.

Recognizing the symptoms of heat illness — include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, racing or weak pulse, dizziness, headache, fainting, and nausea or vomiting — can help prevent serious complications, including death. Some signs and symptoms.

Stein’s office said that declaring this week as North Carolina Heat Awareness Week is to “bring awareness to ongoing climate warming trends.”

The United States is expected to warm faster than other parts of the world, the EPA explained on its website.

“Across the contiguous United States, average temperatures have already risen about 60% more than the global average since 1970. This is expected to continue as global temperatures rise due to climate change,” the agency continued. “As average temperatures rise due to climate change, the risk of extreme temperatures, heat waves, and record-breaking temperatures increases.”

The World Meteorological Organization in a report released Wednesday forecast that there’s an 80% chance that at least one of the next five years will exceed 2024 as the warmest on record.

“The WMO Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update (2025–2029) projects that global temperatures are expected to continue at or near record levels in the next five years, increasing climate risks and impacts on societies, economies and sustainable development,” according to the organization.

Beachgoers to Hyde or Dare counties during the busy season can sign up for ocean and beach condition text alerts from Outer Banks lifeguards, ocean rescue agencies and the National Weather Service.

To receive Dare County Emergency Management’s rip current forecast alerts, text OBXBeachConditions to 77295.

“Swimming in the ocean is not the same as swimming in a pool or lake. Wind, waves, the change of the tide, the slope of the beach and other factors can cause strong currents to be present in the water even on the calmest days,” according to Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials.

Rip Currents are “fast flowing channels of water that extend from close to the shoreline through the surf and past the breaking waves,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The easiest way to spot rip currents is from an elevated position overlooking the beach. Look for darker, muddy, or choppier waters than surrounding areas and where waves are not breaking, NOAA continues.

Seashore officials warn that the ocean presents additional hazards, such as lightning, high surf and shore break, and urgers beachgoers to avoid swimming in dangerous situations such as in rough seas and inlets, around fishing piers and surfers, at night or during extreme weather.

To learn more about safely visiting the ocean, beachgoers can check out Dare County’s Love the Beach, Respect the Ocean website, where information on the rip current risk for the day, beach conditions, and more can be found.

Seashore officials recommend swimming at one of its five beaches staffed with lifeguards from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Lifeguards are at the following locations:

• Coquina Beach Access is across from the Bodie Island Lighthouse site.
• Rodanthe Beach Access, provided by Dare County, is at 23732 N.C. 12.
• Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Beach Access is adjacent to the old Cape Hatteras Lighthouse site.
• Frisco Beach Access is just south of Frisco Village.
• Ocracoke Beach Access is 1.5 miles south of the seashore’s campground or half-mile north of Ocracoke Village.

Update April 2: The N.C. Forest Service has lifted a ban on all open burning effective 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 2. The statewide ban went into effect March 21 due to hazardous forest fire conditions.

Original post:

Because of increased risk of fire, North Carolina Forest Service officials have issued a ban on all open burning and canceled all burning permits for the state’s 100 counties.

The ban took effect at 8 a.m. Friday. The state agency announced the ban Thursday evening, saying that will be in place until further notice.

“It is spring wildfire season in North Carolina, and we are seeing wildfire activity increase due to dry conditions,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said Thursday in a statement. “With these ongoing conditions, a statewide burn ban is necessary to reduce the risk of wildfires starting and spreading quickly. Our top priority is always to protect lives, property and forestland across the state. It is imperative that folks adhere to this burn ban until further notice.”

Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban, officials said.

The burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. County fire marshals have the authority to issue a burn ban within that distance. Brunswick, Carteret and New Hanover counties announced Friday morning local burn bans within 100 feet of any structure.

Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in all 100 counties in this instance, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted.

Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire. 

N.C. Forest Service officials said they will continue to monitor conditions.

Residents with questions regarding a specific county are encouraged to contact their N.C. Forest Service county ranger or their county fire marshal’s office.

With this week’s colder weather coinciding with Winter Awareness Week, Dec. 1-7, Gov. Roy Cooper is encouraging residents to plan and prepare ahead.

“Winter weather is already impacting North Carolina with lower than average temperatures across the state and we want people to be prepared for the possibility of extreme cold, snow, ice and other hazardous weather,” Cooper said Monday in a release. “North Carolinians should be prepared and have an emergency plan, update your emergency preparedness kits and stay informed by paying attention to trusted and official sources of information regarding weather forecasts and alerts.”

Cooper’s office emphasized that residents monitor winter weather conditions and forecasts by listening to local media and paying close attention to winter weather watches, warnings and advisories.

Erik Heden, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s office in Newport, said in an email to media that Winter Preparedness Week is a way to reinforce what one should do to prepare each winter season. 

“It only takes one storm to make an impact in our community,” he said. “We want to remind you that nor’easters and coastal storms can be as impactful as hurricanes.”

Forecasters Tuesday were calling for cold, dry conditions will remain through Wednesday, with near record lows possible early Wednesday morning. A dry, strong front moves through the region Thursday with arctic high pressure building back over the area Friday into the weekend.

New terms to communicate ‘cold’

Heden said that the National Weather Service has consolidated and changed the names for wind chill watches, warnings and advisories.

Effective Oct. 1, wind chill watches and warnings were consolidated into extreme cold watches and warnings. Wind chill advisory was replaced with cold weather advisory.

Heden said the new cold-weather messaging products are to allow forecasters to “communicate ‘cold’ with or without wind; wind chill will not go away though emphasis will be placed ‘cold is cold’ for public safety.”

Weather Service officials said earlier this year that the changes are to improve winter hazards messaging.

“These changes seek to clarify that cold can be dangerous with or without wind, addressing a common misconception that extreme cold is only tied to colder temperatures when there is wind. Dangerously cold weather can accompany or follow wintry precipitation, and the cold messaging can be overshadowed by the wintry precipitation.”

Winter may be warm, dry

Winter doesn’t officially begin until Dec. 21, but National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasters anticipate that the coming season will have drier-than-average conditions from the Four Corners region of the Southwest to the Southeast, Gulf Coast and lower mid-Atlantic states.

The winter outlook for the state from the North Carolina State Climate Office is consistent with NOAA’s.

“It’s setting up to be a consequential winter for North Carolina, with the fate of a newly emerging drought, along with a potentially record-breaking ‘snow drought,’ hanging in the balance,” Assistant State Climatologist Corey Davis writes.

“We’re expecting overall warmer and drier conditions in North Carolina this winter. Recent trends also support that warm outlook: over the past 20 years, 17 of those winters have been warmer than the historical average, including five of our top ten warmest winters on record,” he adds.

“Ultimately, January may be the decisive month this winter. If we briefly shift to a wetter pattern at our climatological coldest time of year, that could potentially bring an end to both our meteorological drought and the stubborn snow drought. But if January stays dry, then we could see drought stick around to start the spring, particularly if spring-like temperatures start early again next year.”

Planning ahead

To prepare for winter weather, Cooper’s office provided the following list from state emergency management officials urging residents to:

• Always keep at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food and a supply of medication in your home.
• Keep fresh batteries on hand for weather radios and flashlights.
• Dress warmly. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.
• Properly vent kerosene heaters and ensure any electric generators are operated outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never burn charcoal indoors.
• Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio or a weather alert app on your phone to monitor changing weather conditions.
• Keep alternative heating sources and fire extinguishers on hand. Be sure your family knows how to use them.
• Store an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit and road map.
• Make an emergency supplies kit for your pet and include medical records, first-aid kit, enough canned/dry food and water for three to seven days and pet travel bag or carrier.
• Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time.
• Ensure your pet has a well-fitting collar.
• Bring pets inside when temperatures drop below freezing.
• Move livestock and other animals to a sheltered location with food and water.
• If you must travel during bad weather, emergency officials remind motorists to leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles and, if driving on snow- or ice-covered roadways, reduce your speed. If conditions worsen, pull off the highway and remain in your vehicle. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you can take shelter.

For more information on how to prepare for winter storms and other hazards that affect North Carolina, visit www.readync.gov.

The precautionary swimming advisory for parts of the North Carolina coast issued Aug. 7, when Tropical Storm Debby moved north from Florida, was lifted midday Wednesday for most oceanside sites.

The two oceanside sites where the advisory remains are Caswell Beach Public Beach access in Brunswick County, and at Sea Oats Drive in Rodanthe along Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

The advisory is still in place for all soundside areas from the Wright Memorial Bridge in Kitty Hawk south to the South Carolina state line, as of Wednesday afternoon.

Water samples tested at the two oceanside sites and the soundside sites show bacterial levels that meet the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s safe swimming standards, according to a release from the North Carolina Recreational Water Quality Program.

Floodwaters and storm water runoff produced by excessive storm-generated rainfall can be contaminated with pollutants, including waste from septic systems, sewer line breaks, pet waste, wildlife and petroleum products and other chemicals, all of which at high levels can cause people to become sick, officials said.

“Recreational water quality officials continue to test these waters and will notify the public when water samples collected meet the state’s and EPA’s safe swimming standards,” the release states.

The Recreational Water Quality Program samples more than 200 coastal water sites on almost a weekly basis between April and October.

A map of those test sites and more information about the program may be found at the program’s website and the program’s Twitter feed.

Last summer, stop signs were targeted.

This summer, people.

The culprits who spurred an increase in complaints and 911 calls in July on Bald Head Island were not solely teenagers, but village officials are exploring ways in which juveniles — and their parents or guardians — might be held accountable for under-18’ers involved in unruly behavior.

Village officials have drafted an islandwide juvenile curfew, one that has been met with equal parts ire among property owners and longtime visitors who say a curfew unfairly targets teens and support from those who have been the brunt of the antics.

“It’s a safety issue,” Mayor Peter Quinn said during an Aug. 5 public hearing on the proposed curfew. “The idea of people acting up in the month of July is not new. It’s happened year after year. This year they’re throwing water balloons and egging. That’s why we’re looking for an answer.”

Admittedly, he said, they may not find one.

Some at the hearing suggested the village place cameras in areas of the island as a way to help capture the identities of anyone involved in unscrupulous or illegal acts.

Several years ago, state lawmakers raised the age of juvenile jurisdiction for nonviolent crimes to 18.

“We can only take temporary custody (of a juvenile) for very limited circumstances, offenses and situations,” said Bald Head’s Public Safety Chief Josh Gibson.

The closest juvenile detention center is in Wilmington. The time it takes an officer to make the round-trip drive to the Port City and complete the booking process means the officer is off the island for hours, he said.

The process for filing a complaint against a teenager caught, say, throwing water balloons at passersby, entails a time-consuming process through the juvenile services system, one that is backlogged, Gibson said.

A curfew would give officers an option to address some of the problems without going through the courts, he said.

“Once they get to the age of 18, we have options,” he said. The proposed curfew is “a tool in the toolbelt. I think it’s to address activity in general. A curfew will not fix all the problems.”

Officers never caught the underage perpetrators who last summer ripped up nearly 50 stop signs throughout the island, Gibson said. The summer before that, juveniles were graffitiing, he said.

Under the draft ordinance, a curfew would be in effect between 11:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. During those times, anyone out under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Village officials explained that the timeframe of the proposed curfew coincides with the ferry schedule to give anyone under 18 who works on the island and lives on the mainland a window of time in order to remain in compliance.

Parents or guardians of kids caught breaking the curfew would be cited a $250 fine.

“It would place the onus on the guardian,” Village Manager Chris McCall said.

Juvenile curfews are not a novel concept in North Carolina. Ahoskie and Kinston are among municipalities here in the state that have adopted curfews.

Opponents of Bald Head’s proposed curfew argue it would unfairly punish all juveniles because of the actions of a few, is bad PR for an island that touts itself as “family friendly,” and is government overreach.

Tom and Pam Schlosser said their 17-year-old son is a hard worker and good steward of the island who, from time to time, stays out past the proposed curfew to hang with friends on the beach or catch a movie at a friend’s house.

“This is a punishment,” Pam Schlosser said. “It is disappointing. This isn’t just adults being hit,” by water balloons. “These are teens. They work hard. This is a time for them to be teens.”

Tom Schlosser told village council members in the public hearing that the proposed curfew is crazy and undemocratic.

“The targeting of kids is crazy,” he said. “The island has always been a family-friendly place and it needs to stay a family-friendly place.”

Paul Brewer said the proposed curfew is “an overstep.”

“I think the adults here are probably more dangerous than the kids,” he said.

A curfew is no more of a punishment than having to wear a seatbelt in a moving car, Betsi Stephen said. Enforcing a juvenile curfew would send a message to parents and kids that public safety is taking bad behavior seriously, she said.

Gregg Thatcher, a self-described dedicated volunteer on the island, submitted a written comment to the village detailing a couple of “troubling incidents” he recently encountered one night. The first involved an inebriated, belligerent woman on the beach.

“The second occurred while I was driving between two beach accesses,” he wrote. “A water balloon was thrown at me while I was on my golf cart on Federal Road, striking me directly in the chest. This act was not only dangerous but also deeply concerning.”

Earlier that evening, another turtle nest monitor was egged, he said.

“If our volunteers and staff do not feel safe, they may no longer be willing to serve, which would be detrimental to our community,” Thatcher wrote. “These assaults must be addressed urgently.”

Councilman Scott Gardner categorized juveniles who live and visit the island into three groups: those who are well behaved and those who do typical, dumb things.

“And then there’s this other very, very small group who are above the law,” he said. “They don’t care. Their parents don’t care. Personally, I’m struggling with do we make things harder on the good to try and solve the problems with the really bad.”

The council did not take the matter to a vote.

NAGS HEAD — Not unlike getting a vehicle tune-up before a risky cross-country trip, emergency responders and weather officials are reinforcing the messaging about ocean safety as hundreds of thousands of beach lovers head to the coast for the July Fourth holiday.

“In the Carolinas, rip currents are our biggest killer,” said Erik Heden, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Newport/Morehead City office. Heden was speaking Thursday at the 2024 Eastern Carolinas Beach Hazards and Rip Currents Integrated Warning Team event held at Jennette’s Pier.

In addition to representatives from the National Weather Service, the team included input from local emergency and public safety officials and ocean rescue personnel, as well as government communication representatives to discuss current and future beach safety issues.

Since 2000, there have been 184 victims of rip current drownings in the Carolinas, 49% of whom were out-of-state residents, Heden said. Of them, 86% were male, most of them aged 41 to 50. Female victims were mostly between 31 and 40 years old.

“That’s four times the number of deaths from tornados, floods and wind combined,” Heden said.

The data didn’t include those who were caught in rips but their deaths were attributed to an associated cause such as a heart attack, he added. About 100 fatalities annually in the U.S. are estimated from rip currents, and as much as 80% of all ocean rescues are rip current-related.

But fortunately, there has been a lot of progress made in preventing the loss of life from rips, mostly by educating the public of the hazard, and by providing better tools to avoid the risk.

To stretch the road trip metaphor, staying safe can come down to commonsense measures such as checking road conditions and the weather report. Going to the ocean should be no different.

“Before we even get to the beach,” Heden said, “let’s talk about knowing some things.”

Those “things” include questions such as: Where are lifeguarded beaches? What are conditions that day at the beach location? Do you need a floatation device? What is the rip current risk?

Awareness can not only prevent drowning, it can also mean not having to be saved by lifeguards.

Recently, numerous news outlets reported that more than 150 beachgoers in New Hanover and Carteret counties and more than 80 at Carolina Beach alone were rescued from rip currents, which are channels of water typically formed at breaks in sand bars and that flow away from the beach.

People can sign up for alerts on beach conditions and daily rip current risks at North Carolina beaches from the National Weather Service. Dare County also offers a service that provides alerts from Dare County lifeguards about local beaches. 

Beachgoers also need to know about other hazards that include lightning, another big weather-related killer. Leave the beach immediately if you hear thunder. Lightning strikes can happen when a storm is as far as 10 miles away. Several strikes on the Outer Banks have happened when people were in the parking lot after exiting the beach.

Other risks ocean swimmers need to be aware of is shore break, that is, when a wave breaks forcefully in shallow water, and rogue waves that seemingly come out of nowhere and can throw a person into the surf.

“They can be deceptive and you don’t see them coming,” Hatteras Island Rescue Squad Supervisor Molly Greenwood said at a press briefing. “Never turn your back to the ocean.”

Even something as seemingly harmless as walking on the sand is dangerous when temperatures are high and the sun is strong. Ben Abe with Chicamacomico Banks Volunteer Fire Department water rescue said that one man suffered second-degree burns on the bottom of his feet from going barefoot on the beach and had to be transported to the hospital.

In recent years, the National Weather Service has produced numerous informational videos and pamphlets about beach safety that are available through its website, including the award-winning “Play it Safe” series.

The public information is geared to a fifth-grade education level, so it’s readily accessible for school-aged children, Heden said.

“We do a tremendous amount of public education,” he added.

Two important new infographics are focused on hazards that are related to rip currents, but had often been overlooked in risk assessments.

One provides advice to bystanders who want to help swimmers caught in a rip current or are struggling in the ocean, with a warning to call for help but not to enter the ocean without a floatation device.

According to the weather service, nearly 30% of rip current drownings in the Carolinas since 2011 were bystanders trying to save another person.

The other graphic illustrates the risk that far-offshore tropical storms create by intensifying the strength of currents, with a West Coast and East Coast version. Several videos and graphics are also offered in Spanish.

The weather service beach forecast webpage will soon be transformed into a GIS-based platform, compatible with mobile devices, said Melinda Bailey, NWS National Marine Services program manager, who attended the event remotely.

Web-based users will not have to download any proprietary software to access the platform, which is expected to be implemented by fall 2024, she added.

“It’s a long time coming but it’s very exciting,” Bailey said.

Bailey said the weather service has been working on predictive artificial intelligence models to improve accuracy of information on rip currents and other forecasting.

Heden said that he looks forward to continued progress in beach safety through advancement in communication and predictive modeling tools, including cutting edge technology.

“I’m intrigued by the virtual reality stuff,” he said. “It would be interesting to incorporate that.”

Learn more

• National Weather Service Rip current brochure

KITTY HAWK — The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary of the Outer Banks is offering Feb. 28 to April 2 a 10-session boating safety course for new and recreational boaters.

The boating safety course, Boating Skills and Seamanship, will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Kitty Hawk Fire Station 13,
859 W Kitty Hawk Road. Tuition is $30 and includes the textbook and all course materials. Discounts are available for multiple family members.

The course will satisfy North Carolina Boating regulations that require boat operators, born after Jan. 1, 1988, to complete a boater safety course.

The class will review selecting the right boat, essential equipment, docking and anchoring, boat handling and seamanship, trailering, navigation and rules of the road, using and maintaining engines and electronics, knots, weather, communications and North Carolina boating regulations, according to the release. All classes are led by certified USCG Auxiliary instructors.

There will be a review and test at the last session but mentors will be on hand to ensure students have a successful testing experience.  Satisfactory testing outcome will result in the awarding of the National Association of Boating Law Certificate.

For information contact Keith Berntsen at keith.berntsen@gmail.com or 252-564-4142

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939.