Very Rough Surf, High Rip Current Risk On Long Beach Island Today

LONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ - The dangerous ocean water conditions have increased on Long Beach Island, with waves of up to 13 feet predicted for today.

The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory and warns of a high risk of rip currents. That means "dangerous and potentially life threatening" for anyone even thinking going in the water. And if that wasn't enough, there's also a coastal flood warning.

If you do find a guarded beach today, and there are very few, chances are you won't be allowed in the water. The ocean water temperature is 74 degrees, although that may vary depending on the beach.

Waves will be from 12 to 13 feet, the highest they've been all season, with easterly swells of 7 to 10 feet. The lightning threat is moderate, which means thunderstorms are possible.

Skies today will be mostly cloudy, with showers likely and a chance of thunderstorms. Highs will be in the upper 70s, with brisk easterly winds of 20 to 25 miles per hour. The ultraviolet index is a 1, which the NWS considers low.

Island Beach State Park has prohibited mobile sport fishing access due to higher than normal tides, which creates unsafe driving conditions.

High tide at Barnegat Inlet arrived at 8:44 a.m. Low tide will roll in at 3:05 p.m., followed by another high tide at 9:03 p.m.

Photo: Courtesy of Surf City Beach Patrol