Hurricane Helene

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Wind Speed Probabilities	Arrival Time of Winds	Wind History	Warnings/Cone Interactive Map	Warnings/Cone Static Images	Warnings and Surface Wind	Key Messages
Mensajes Claves	Rip Currents	Exp Cone

Rip Currents

What do the colors mean?

HIGH

Risk of Rip Currents is High.

Life-threatening rip currents are likely. Swimming conditions are unsafe for all levels of swimmers. Stay out of the water. Always follow advice from the local beach patrol and flag warning systems.

MODERATE

Risk of Rip Currents is Moderate.

Life-threatening rips are possible and may appear suddenly. Remain in shallow water and beware of surf that can knock you off your feet.

LOW

Risk of Rip Currents is Low.

Always exercise caution in the ocean. Life-threatening rip currents are still possible near groins, jetties, reefs, and piers.

No Data Available

Risk of Rip Currents is Unknown.

A beach forecast is currently not available, or beaches are not prevalent in the area. Exercise caution and heed the advice of the local beach patrol and flag warning systems.

What is a Rip Current?

Rip currents are powerful streams of water that flow from the nearshore, where swimmers enter the water, out towards the open ocean. They form when a large amount of water rushes towards shore from breaking waves.

Rip Currents are life-threatening!

Swim near lifeguards and pay attention to the flags!

Image 1 description — Rip Current in the darker area between sandbars (Photo: NOAA)

Did you know…

Over the past 10 years, about 10 - 15% of U.S. fatalities from tropical storms and hurricanes were caused by rip currents..

Learn more about Rip Currents: The Hidden Hurricane Hazard

Infographic - Distant hurricanes can be deadly

Infographic - How to survive a rip current

Infographic - Your safe place from rip currents