The 2024 Hurricane Season is gaining momentum with Tropical Storm Ernesto anticipated to become a hurricane shortly after Hurricane Debby made landfall in Steinhatchee, affecting North Florida. Ernesto is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Tuesday night and Wednesday before moving northward, avoiding the continental United States.
However, Florida remains at risk from the storm. Meteorologists from AccuWeather caution that higher-than-normal Atlantic water temperatures could lead to rapid intensification into a major hurricane, posing a significant risk of life-threatening rip currents along the entire East Coast at the end of the week as swells from Ernesto hit the beaches.
“Rip currents could be very dangerous along the East Coast of the United States,” warned AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva in an advisory. “Although the storm may be far out to sea and weather conditions at beaches in Florida, the Carolinas, and even New England could appear fine, beachgoers need to understand the risks involved,” he stated. The risk of rip currents along the Atlantic coast is expected to rise later this week in the Southeast and increase over the weekend, spreading northward.
For those planning beach trips, DaSilva advised staying in areas with lifeguards present.
Is Ernesto likely to become a hurricane?
Tropical Storm Ernesto is on track to strengthen into a hurricane. For residents along the East Coast, this could mean rough surf and potential rain, flooding, and other dangers.
The waters off some parts of the coast have been particularly risky this year.
“Rip currents can pull even the strongest swimmers away from the shore,” according to the National Weather Service (NWS). “It’s advisable to swim near a lifeguard. If you find yourself caught in a rip current, relax and float. Avoid swimming against the current, and if possible, swim parallel to the shore. If you cannot escape, face the shore and signal for help.”
To prepare for ocean activities, it’s essential to understand rip currents.
Rip currents are strong, narrow channels of water that move quickly away from the shore, often occurring in low spots or breaks in the sandbar and near structures like jetties and piers. They develop when incoming waves create an underwater sandbar, causing water to rush back to the sea through a narrow gap.
These currents can form during stormy weather or clear sunny days, and they can occur at any beach with waves regardless of the weather.
What happens if you get caught in a rip current?
While swimming at a Florida beach, you might suddenly feel a strong current pulling you away from the shore. You may struggle to swim back, but the current can overpower even experienced swimmers. Fortunately, rip currents typically dissipate after some distance, and remaining calm is crucial.
How many drownings occur from rip currents?
Rip currents are a common hazard at Florida beaches. According to a 2018 report from the Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences, they are responsible for approximately 81.9% of all surf beach rescues in the U.S., with estimates indicating over 100 drownings annually due to these currents.
How far can rip currents extend?
Rip currents can end right after the breaking waves or continue pulling hundreds of yards offshore. Their strength can vary rapidly.
What is the speed of rip currents?
Rip currents generally move at 1 to 2 feet per second but can accelerate up to 8 feet per second, which is faster than many swimmers, including Olympic athletes.
Is it possible to swim out of a rip current?
While it may feel challenging to escape a rip current, staying calm is essential. Strong swimmers can tire quickly by fighting against the current.
The best response is to remain composed. Rip currents will not pull you under; they will simply carry you away. Swimming parallel to the shore can help you escape, and if you need assistance, signal for help.
How should one respond if witnessing someone caught in a rip current?
Attempting to rescue someone else can be dangerous. Instead, alert a lifeguard or call 911. If it’s safe, you can instruct the person to stay calm and swim parallel to the shore.
What visual cues indicate a rip current?
Before entering the water, assess conditions carefully. Pay attention to weather forecasts and warning flags at the beach. Lifeguards can also provide vital information about current dangers.
To protect yourself and your family from rip currents, always swim near lifeguards and educate your loved ones about swimming safety in the surf. Assume rip currents may exist even without warnings, and ensure everyone knows how to swim well in ocean conditions.
What do beach warning flags signify?
Monitoring beach warning flags is essential for safety. Double red flags indicate closed water, while red flags signify high hazard. Yellow flags indicate medium hazard, and green flags indicate low hazard conditions. A purple flag denotes the presence of dangerous marine life.
What is the distinction between a riptide and a rip current?
Rip currents, sometimes referred to as runouts, are not the same as riptides or undertow, although confusion among these terms is common.