Fiona is currently a major Category 3 hurricane as it continues to move north through the southwestern Atlantic Ocean.
According to a Wednesday morning update from the National Weather Service, Fiona is forecast to continue moving north, then turn northeast and well away from Eastern North Carolina mid to late week as a strong cold front moves off the US East Coast.
However, due to long-period large swells from the strengthening hurricane, there will be an extended period of dangerous rip currents developing Thursday and continuing into the weekend.
Minor ocean overwash and beach erosion is also possible for Eastern North Carolina beaches, mainly south of Oregon Inlet, and especially for beaches with compromised dune structures.