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Topsail Beach

North Carolina · Southeast · back water: Topsail Sound

Conditions right now

Reading the buoys…

Today

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reports logged

Last 14 days

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reports total

Season

Moderate

typical for this month

14-day trend

Two weeks ago on the left, today on the right.

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Likely here in October

Cannonballs dominate late summer and are harmless. The real hazard is man o' war blown ashore on winter and spring easterlies.

  • Moon jellyMild sting

    May–Oct

    Barely registers on most skin — a faint prickle at worst. Sensitive spots like lips and inner arms can react.

  • Portuguese man o' warSevere sting

    Oct–Apr

    Severe, whip-like pain that can spread. Systemic reactions happen. Seek help for chest pain, trouble breathing, or a large sting area.

  • Cannonball jellyHarmless

    Jul–Nov

    Essentially harmless to handle — the Southeast's most common wash-up. Mild irritation if the mucus gets in your eyes.

  • Comb jellyHarmless

    Apr–Nov

    No stinging cells at all. Completely safe to hold.

Full species guide

If you get stung here

  1. Get out of the water and rinse with seawater — never fresh water.
  2. Lift tentacles off with a card or tweezers, don't rub with a towel.
  3. Hot water (as hot as you can stand, ~45°C) for 20 minutes, or a baking soda slurry.
  4. Call for help for chest pain, trouble breathing, or a very large sting area.
Full Soothe the Sting guide

Recent reports

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