Weather Service Issues Rip Current Warning

The National Weather Services has issued a rip current warning due to high risks of rip currents.

According to the weather service, "developing moderate westerly flow over the northeast gulf of Mexico will generate choppy breaking waves along portions of the Florida wet coast later today into tonight." 

The rip current risk started at noon Wednesday and runs through 11 p.m. Thursday. The warning is for Pinellas Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties. 

"Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away form shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar," the weather service said. "... If you became caught in a rip current, remain calm and begin to swim parallel to shore. Once you are away from the force of the rip current, begin to swim back to the beach."