Dangerous Rip Current Risk Expected Through Mid-Week
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – High gusty winds along the coastline will create the potential for deadly rip currents at the beach through midweek.
Wind gusts from 15 mph up to 18 mph, or more, are expected Monday afternoon.
State emergency management officials said rip currents are expected along the entire Florida East Coast including South Florida.
"All along the Atlantic Coast, persistent easterly ocean swells in combination with moderate to strong onshore winds are creating rough surf and large breaking waves up to 4 to 6 feet," said Michelle Palmer, Deputy State Meteorologist
A rip current is a narrow powerful current which runs perpendicular to the beach, out into the ocean. These currents may extend 200 to 2,500 feet lengthwise, but they are typically less than 30 feet wide. Rip currents can often move at more than 5 miles per hour or faster.
Guide: How To Escape A Rip Current
Beach goers are urged, whenever possible, to swim at a lifeguard-protected beach. If unsure of what the warning flags mean, ask a lifeguard about the conditions before going in the water. According to the United States Lifesaving Association, 80 percent of surf beach rescues are attributed to rip currents.
Also stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist alongside these structures.
