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Urgent: Dangerous Rip Currents and High Surf Expected Through Sunday

A Rip Current Statement and High Surf Warning are in effect for coastal areas of Alabama and Florida, with dangerous rip currents and waves up to 25 feet expected through Sunday. Residents are advised to stay out of the water and off jetties due to life-threatening conditions.

Staff Writer
10/08/2026 · Okaloosa County edition

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

A High Rip Current Risk is in effect now through late Saturday night. The High Surf Warning begins Friday, October 9, at 7:00 AM CDT and continues until Sunday, October 11, at 10:00 AM CDT. Breaking waves are expected to reach 6 to 10 feet on Friday, building to 12 to 18 feet over Alabama beaches and 20 to 25 feet over northwest Florida beaches Friday night. These dangerously large waves are expected to persist through Saturday.

Life-threatening swimming conditions are anticipated, along with significant beach erosion. Breaking waves can sweep individuals off jetties and docks into dangerous seas. Rip currents can pull even strong swimmers away from shore.

Everyone must remain out of the water due to these life-threatening surf 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.

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