High Surf Warning Issued: Life-Threatening Waves Expected on Coast

Coastal residents and visitors in Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties are urged to stay out of the water due to a High Surf Warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Mobile, AL. The warning is in effect from Friday, October 9, at 7:00 AM CDT until Sunday, October 11, at 10:00 AM CDT.

Dangerously large breaking waves are expected, with heights of 6 to 10 feet developing Friday morning in the surf zone. These waves are forecast to build to 12 to 18 feet over Alabama beaches and 20 to 25 feet over northwest Florida beaches by Friday night, potentially lingering through Saturday. Surf conditions will begin to abate Saturday night but are expected to remain high through Sunday morning.

Life-threatening swimming conditions and significant beach erosion are anticipated. The NWS explicitly states that breaking waves can sweep people off jetties and docks, leading to dangerous situations. A High Rip Current Risk is also in effect through late Saturday night, with rip currents capable of sweeping even strong swimmers away from shore.

For your safety, everyone must remain out of the water. Stay off of jetties, piers, and any other waterside infrastructure. If you are caught in a rip current, relax and float; do not swim against the current. If able, swim parallel to the shoreline. If you cannot escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.