Hurricane Chris Strengthens and Picks up Speed

Hurricane Chris continues to strengthen in the Atlantic Ocean, about 570 east-northeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Wind speeds have increased to 90 mph and the storm is moving much faster, northeast at 25 mph. https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1017203743547318272 https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1017078076260282368 Chris will continue to pick up speed as it is swept ahead of a digging storm system moving into the Northeast. As the storm continues to move over warm Gulf Stream waters, little change in intensity is expected into Thursday. Later Friday, the storm will begin to pass over colder waters of the North Atlantic and will begin to weaken. Swells generated by Hurricane Chris are expected to affect portions of the coasts of North Carolina and the mid-Atlantic states during the next few days. These swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Coastal Flood Advisories have been issued along the New Jersey coast as the strong onshore flow, coupled with high tides, may produce flooding. Up to one foot of saltwater inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Minor roadway flooding is possible for coastal locations in Monmouth County and Ocean County. Wave heights on the ocean waters off the coast are forecast to be 3 to 4 feet. https://www.facebook.com/NWSMountHolly/posts/2020812257952162 Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in sandbars and near structures such as groins, jetties, and piers. Talk to lifeguards and beach officials to learn about any surf hazards and heed their advice. Pay attention to flags and posted signs and swim in life guarded areas. If caught in a rip current, relax and float, and do not swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help. For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels