Marine weather cape hatteras The marine weather in Cape Hatteras is heavily influenced by the Gulf Stream, a warm ocean current that flows north along the East Coast of the United States. The Gulf Stream brings warm water and moist air to the area, which can lead to the formation of fog, thunderstorms, and hurricanes. One of the most significant weather phenomena in Cape Hatteras is the "Cape Hatteras Wind," which is created by the convergence of the Gulf Stream and the Labrador Current, a cold ocean current that flows south along the Canadian coast. This convergence creates a narrow band of strong winds that blow almost continuously in a northeasterly direction. The Cape Hatteras Wind is particularly strong in the winter months, with sustained winds of 20-30 knots and gusts up to 50 knots. Another important weather factor in Cape Hatteras is the "Diamond Shoals," a series of sandbars that extend several miles off the coast. The Diamond Shoals create a hazardous navigation environment, with breaking waves, rip currents, and strong tidal currents. The marine weather in this area is closely monitored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which operates a network of buoys, weather stations, and radar systems to provide real-time information to mariners. Another important weather factor in Cape Hatteras is the "Diamond Shoals," a series of sandbars that extend several miles off the coast. The Diamond Shoals create a hazardous navigation environment, with breaking waves, rip currents, and strong tidal currents. The marine weather in this area is closely monitored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which operates a network of buoys, weather stations, and radar systems to provide real-time information to mariners. The NOAA issues a variety of marine weather advisories for Cape Hatteras, including Small Craft Advisories, Gale Warnings, and Storm Warnings. A Small Craft Advisory is issued when winds are expected to be 25-33 knots, with seas of 7 feet or higher. A Gale Warning is issued when winds are expected to be 34-47 knots, with seas of 10 feet or higher. A Storm Warning is issued when winds are expected to be 48 knots or higher, with seas of 13 feet or higher. Mariners should also be aware of the potential for hurricanes in Cape Hatteras. The area is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes due to its location in the Atlantic Ocean and its proximity to the Gulf Stream. Hurricanes can bring strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surges to the area, causing significant damage to coastal communities and disrupting marine traffic. Despite the challenges posed by ragweed, there are also efforts underway to control its spread and minimize its impact on public health. In North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) has implemented a ragweed control program, which includes monitoring and management of ragweed populations in agricultural and urban areas. The program also provides educational resources and outreach to help raise awareness about the health risks associated with ragweed and the importance of controlling its spread.
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