Officials warn of unsafe ocean conditions along Outer Banks

BUXTON, N.C. (AP) — As Tropical Storm Florence approaches the East Coast, Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials are warning visitors to use caution due to dangerous conditions.

Park superintendent David Hallac said in a news release Saturday that all beach visitors were urged to stay out of the ocean until conditions subside.

The news release says large swells and a high threat of rip currents will produce life-threatening conditions beginning Saturday. The release also says it’s possible that beach access ramps and routes may be impassable if the storm continues its current track.

Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency on Friday, saying it’s “too early” to know where the storm will go but that residents should use the weekend to prepare for the possibility of a natural disaster.