Dangerous rip currents continue into the end of the weekend. On Saturday, over 15 swimmers had to be rescued after getting caught in rip currents in Florida. Sadly, a woman in Cocoa Beach drowned due to a rip current Saturday afternoon.
According to NOAA, “Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are prevalent along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the U.S., as well as along the shores of the Great Lakes.”
The increased threat for rip currents today are due to low pressure systems increasing onshore winds. Dangerous rip currents will be possible all day but especially in the hours before and after high and low tides. Not only will there be rip currents but surf will be rough too. Sunday, surf heights will be around 4 to 6 feet.
The threat for rip current extends up towards the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Always swim by a life guard and if you ever do get caught in a rip current, relax and either float or swim parallel to the shore.
For some more safety tips on rip currents, watch this:
When in doubt, don’t go out.
For WeatherNation, Meteorologist Kate Mantych.