High Rip Current Risk and High Surf Advisory Issued for Coastal Areas

A High Rip Current Risk and High Surf Advisory have been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Charleston SC for coastal areas, effective immediately.

Inexperienced swimmers are advised to remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. The High Rip Current Risk is in effect from 8 AM EDT this morning, October 6, through this evening, October 6. The High Surf Advisory is active from noon today, October 6, to 2 PM EDT Wednesday, October 7.

Affected areas include Coastal Bryan, Coastal Chatham, Coastal Liberty, Coastal McIntosh in Georgia, and Beaufort, Coastal Colleton, Charleston, and Coastal Jasper in South Carolina.

Dangerous rip currents are expected. Large breaking waves of 4 to 6 feet are anticipated in the South Carolina surf zone and 5 to 7 feet in the Georgia surf zone. These conditions will create dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

The NWS warns that the combination of strong northeast winds, elevated tides, and large breaking waves will increase the risk for significant beach erosion during the high tide cycle late this afternoon and early evening.

If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Do not swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help. Swim near a lifeguard if entering the water.