Advisory Issued Ahead Of Dangerous Rip Currents On Cape Cod

MASSACHUSETTS — While much of the state could see scattered rain and the occasional clap of thunder, Cape Cod, the islands and the southern coast of Massachusetts should be aware for dangerous rip currents and high surf.

National Weather Service officials issued a small craft advisory ahead of what they deem to be conditions with a high risk of rip currents. The high-risk designation means conditions in the water are dangerous and potentially life-threatening for anyone entering the surf, officials said.

A map shows high risk for most of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, as well as the easternmost coast of Cape Cod, stretching from Chatham to Provincetown. Much of the southern coast of the state faces a moderate risk that switches to high risk near the border of Rhode Island.

Forecasters project strong southwest winds with even stronger gusts producing seas from 4 to 6 feet, prompting the small craft advisory. That advisory is in effect until 8 a.m. on Friday.

Identifying a rip current is crucial to avoiding them altogether, though it's probably best to avoid the water in general with these conditions.

NWS officials say to look for a channel of churning, choppy water and an area that has a notable difference in water color. Additionally, if you see a line of debris moving away from shore, or a break in the incoming wave pattern, that can also be a sign that a rip current is developing.