Thousands of people have been warned to stay out of the water on Tuesday amid concerns over highly dangerous water conditions.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued beach hazards and rip current statements, and coastal flood advisories in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia and Florida.
Why It Matters
The warnings mean there is a high risk of large waves, rough surf, rip currents and hazardous swimming conditions.
The NWS said that: “Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. Dangerous shore break can throw a swimmer or surfer head first into the bottom causing neck and back injuries.”
It added: “Strong longshore currents can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties and other hazardous areas. In many cases, the longshore current is strong enough to prevent swimmers from being able to keep their feet on the bottom making it difficult to return to shore.”
What To Know
A beach hazard statement has been issued in North Carolina through Tuesday evening, warning of dangerous rip currents, strong longshore currents and large breaking waves.
A costal flood advisory is also in force in North Carolina until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, with inundation up to three feet high forecast in some low-lying areas near shorelines.
“Numerous roads may be closed. Low lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure will be inundated. Some shoreline erosion will occur,” the NWS said.
Areas in North Carolina set to be impacted include Hatteras and Ocracoke islands, Carteret county, Outer Banks and Onslow county.
In Virginia, coastal flood advisories are in force along most shorelines on Tuesday, and will continue until 9 a.m. on Thursday in parts. Up to one foot of inundation is expected in low-lying areas next to the ocean or tidal rivers.
In Florida, a beach hazard statement is in effect through late Tuesday for shorelines in Volusia and Brevard counties.
“North winds increasing 15 to 20 mph will produce a longshore current which flows parallel to the coastline. These currents can push swimmers off the sand bar and into deeper water and possibly into a rip current,” the NWS said.
A coastal flood advisory is also in force until 1 a.m. on Thursday for the St Johns River basin, with flooding of lots, roads and parks expected.
In South Carolina and Georgia, a high rip current risk remains in effect through Tuesday evening along most shorelines.
What People Are Saying
The NWS forecast office in Newport / Morehead City, North Carolina, said: “Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. Life-threatening rip currents. If caught in a rip current, remain calm. Swim in a direction following the shoreline. If tired, float or tread water until out of the rip current. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help. If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.”
The NWS forecast office in Wakefield, Virginia, said: “Shallow flooding is expected in the most vulnerable locations near the waterfront and shoreline resulting in a low threat of property damage. Expect up to one foot of water above ground level in low lying, vulnerable areas. Some roads and low lying property including parking lots, parks and lawns near the waterfront will experience shallow flooding.”
What Happens Next
The majority of the beach hazards and rip current statements are set to remain in force until late Tuesday, while most coastal flood advisories will continue into Wednesday and Thursday.
The NWS issues regular forecast updates regarding marine conditions on its website throughout the day.
