A ‘no swimming’ flag posted. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
The risk of rip currents posing a danger to swimmers on Monday is moderate, the National Weather Service reported, after a weekend of sporadic rescues in local communities.
Most of the rescues over the last several days occurred Friday, however there were reports of several scattered throughout Ocean County towns. There was no reported loss of life, unlike the tragic scenario that unfolded last weekend.
According to the NWS forecast, the risk current risk is “moderate” on Monday, meaning life-threatening rip currents are possible in the surf zone. Wave heights are forecast to run 1-3 feet Monday with southwest winds 10-15 m.p.h. High tide will occur at 12:09 p.m. in Seaside Heights.
The rip current risk is forecast to be “low” for Tuesday, however that does not mean the threat is eliminated. On these days, rip currents often occur in the vicinity of groins, jetties, reefs, and piers, the NWS said. Wave heights will decrease to 1-2 feet with west winds about 10 m.p.h. There will be a thunderstorm risk in the afternoon.