Urgent: Rip Current and High Surf Warnings Issued for Gulf Coast

Coastal residents and visitors in Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa 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 (NWS) Mobile, AL.

The Rip Current Statement is in effect until Sunday afternoon, October 11, at 6:00 PM CDT. The High Surf Warning is active until midnight CDT Saturday night. Dangerously large breaking waves of 6 to 10 feet are developing this Friday morning, October 9, in the surf zone, building to 12 to 18 feet over Alabama beaches and 20 to 25 feet over northwest Florida beaches by late Friday afternoon. These heights are expected to linger through Friday night before abating late Friday night and Saturday.

The NWS warns that breaking waves can sweep people off jetties and docks, leading to dangerous seas. Life-threatening swimming conditions and significant beach erosion are expected. Rip currents can carry even strong swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

Everyone should 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, and 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.