Rough Surf, High Risk of Rip Currents On Ocean County Beaches

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ - The sun may be out, but the National Weather Service is calling for very rough surf and a high risk of rip currents at Ocean County beaches today.

That means dangerous and potentially life-threatening conditions are possible for anyone tries to go swimming.

"People visiting the beaches should stay out of the high surf," the NWS says.

Waves will be around six feet, with southeasterly swells of five feet. The ocean water temperature is 74 degrees, although that could vary from beach to beach. Be sure to check with your local beach patrols about swimming conditions and restrictions before heading into the water. Many patrols have banned swimming over the past few days because of surf conditions.

Harvey Cedars has red flags up today. Swimming beyond knee depth andboogie boards/tubes/flotation devices are prohibited. Beach Haven has restricted swimmers to knee depth only.

Skies today will be partly sunny, but there's still a chance of showers with isolated thunderstorms. Highs today will only be in the upper 70s. Winds will be brisk, from the southeast at 20 miles per hour. The lightning threat is moderate, which means thunderstorms are possible.

High tide arrived at Barnegat Inlet at 6:01 a.m. Low tide will roll in at 12:08 p.m. followed by another high tide at 6:23 p.m.

Photo: Courtesy of Long Beach Township Beach Patrol.