High Surf Warning Issued: Dangerous Waves and Rip Currents Expected

Residents and visitors in coastal Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties are advised to stay out of the water due to a High Surf Warning and High Rip Current Risk issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Mobile, AL.

The High Surf Warning is in effect from 7 AM CDT Friday, October 9, until 10 AM CDT Sunday, October 11. Dangerous breaking waves are expected to develop, reaching 6 to 10 feet on Friday morning, then building to 12 to 18 feet over Alabama beaches and 20 to 25 feet over northwest Florida beaches by late Friday afternoon. These conditions are anticipated to persist through Friday night, with surf beginning to subside late Friday night and Saturday. Life-threatening swimming conditions and significant beach erosion are expected.

A High Rip Current Risk is also in effect through late Saturday night, making all swimming hazardous. Rip currents can sweep even strong swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

The NWS strongly advises everyone to remain out of the water due to these life-threatening conditions. Stay off jetties, piers, and other waterside infrastructure. If caught in a rip current, relax and float; do not swim against the current. If able, swim parallel to the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.