Even though the ocean looks more inviting this weekend than it did earlier this week, the danger for rip currents will persist through the weekend.
The National Weather Service issued a rip current statement for the Delaware beaches and the Jersey Shore through Aug. 24 as the water continues to settle from the hurricane energy. It classified the rip current risk as "high."
When Hurricane Erin made its closest approach to the Delaware beaches on the evening of Aug. 21, 12-foot swell and high tide caused beach erosion and some coastal flooding. Now, the sun is out, and there's one week left before Labor Day.
All of that water has to go somewhere, and the way that powerful swell can mess with sandbars creates powerful rip currents.
If caught in a rip current, stay calm and float. Then, signal for help, and if you have enough energy, swim parallel to the beach. Swim in front of lifeguards at all times, and don't go in the water when they go off duty. The best way to avoid a rip current is by staying dry.
Drive-on surf fishing at Cape Henlopen State Park is not permitted on Aug. 23.
Coastal flood warning, flood advisory in Delaware
The threat of coastal flooding also persists in low-lying areas along oceans, bays and tidal waters in Delaware. The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood warning in Sussex and Kent counties looking toward the evening high tide on Aug. 23. The warning lasts until 2 a.m. Aug. 24. A coastal flood advisory remains in effect in New Castle County until 2 a.m. Aug. 24.
What's coming after Hurricane Erin?
The National Hurricane Center said it is monitoring two other areas for tropical development in the Atlantic. One is almost certain to become a tropical cyclone southeast of Bermuda within the week. The other, in the South Caribbean Sea, is much less likely to form.
Shane Brennan covers Wilmington and other Delaware issues. Reach out with ideas, tips or feedback at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: At Delaware beaches, dangerous rip currents remain
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