Ocean County Beach Report: High Rip Current Risk, Building Seas As Jose Comes Closer

The National Weather Service has issued a high rip current risk warning for Ocean County as Hurricane Jose makes it way up the East coast.

"A high risk of rip currents means dangerous and potentially life-threatening conditions exist for all people entering the surf," the NWS says. "People visiting the beaches should stay out of the high surf."

While the storm is not expected to directly hit the Jersey Shore, its impact will be felt. Very rough surf, with waves as high as 6 feet, with northeasterly swells of 5 feet, are forecast for today.

Jose is expected to track northward off the New Jersey coast on Tuesday, with possible rain, gusty winds, beach erosion and coastal flooding.

"The highest risk of coastal flooding will be with the high tide cycles Monday evening through Tuesday night," the NWS says. "Astronomical tides are already running high with the approach of the new moon."

Today will be partly sunny, with highs in the upper 70s. Winds will be from the northeast at 5 to 10 miles per hour. The ocean water temperature is 73 degrees.

Most beaches in Ocean County are unguarded. Island Beach State Park and a beach in Harvey Cedars are still guarded, but with the rip current risk, you won't be allowed to go in.

The ultraviolet index is a 7, which the NWS considers high. There is no lightning threat.

High tide at Barnegat Inlet rolled in at 5:54 a.m. Low tide will arrive at 12:08 p.m., followed by another high tide at 6:15 p.m.

Photo: Patch file photo