High Rip Current Risk Thursday

An intensifying storm system to our south will kick up three to five foot surf and bring a high risk of rip currents Thursday for the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  Rip currents are fast-moving channels of water moving away from shore.  If you get caught in one you could be washed out to sea in no time.  Rip currents are most likely a few hours before and after low tide.  On Thursday, that will be around 1 pm.

Experts say that if you get caught in a rip current, you shouldn’t fight it.  That will only exhaust you. They advise that you swim parallel to shore until you’re free of the current and then make your way back to shore.

This time-lapse video shows a rip current developing in Australia.
Join me on Facebook and Twitter for frequent weather updates:
www.facebook.com/PatrickRockeyWX
www.Twitter.com/patrickrockey

Patrick Rockey
NewsChannel 3 Chief Meteorologist