Data Sources & Methodology
Where OBX Beach & Weather gets its weather, ocean and station information — and how those sources are presented.
Weather & Forecasts
AccuWeather supplies location-specific current conditions and forecasts for supported Outer Banks communities. National Weather Service products provide official alerts and additional regional guidance.
Sunnyside Up Live Station
Live Nags Head observations come from the privately owned Sunnyside Up oceanfront weather station. Station measurements include temperature, humidity, wind, rain, pressure, UV, solar radiation, lightning and PM2.5 where available.
Surf & Marine
The website’s OBX Surf Estimate is an independent breaking-surf estimate built from NOAA/NWS nearshore guidance and NDBC observations. NOAA/NWS marine products provide offshore and coastal context.
Tides & Water
Tide predictions use NOAA station data mapped to each supported location. Water-temperature presentation prioritizes measured or official sources when available and clearly labels estimates or unavailable values.
Ocean Safety
Rip-current guidance, beach-flag information and official notices are presented from the applicable public-safety sources. Posted flags, lifeguards, emergency management and on-site authorities always take priority.
Beach Score
The OBX Beach Score is an independent editorial planning tool combining weather and beach-day factors. It is not an official swimming-safety rating and never overrides warnings or beach closures.
Freshness & unavailable data
Different providers update on different schedules. OBX Beach & Weather displays source and freshness information where practical and is designed to show a field as unavailable rather than silently present a value that no longer meets the applicable freshness rules.
Safety first
Weather and ocean conditions can change quickly. Always follow National Weather Service warnings, NOAA guidance, posted beach flags, lifeguards, local emergency management, National Park Service restrictions and on-site closure or evacuation instructions.