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

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ - Hurricane Chris is expected to turn farther out to sea, so there's no worry about heavy rainfall or strong winds.

But what will affect Ocean County beaches are rough seas and strong rip currents, the National Weather Service says.

"However, rip currents, strong surf and coastal flooding will be a threat along the coastline from the Mid-Atlantic to Southeast," the NWS says.

The rip current risk is moderate today. Always check with your local beach patrols about any problem areas before heading into the water. Never, ever swim on an unguarded beach and never swim alone or at night. A number of people have died this summer or had to be rescued because they swam on unguarded beaches. Don't be a statistic.

Waves will be from 2 to 3 feet, with southerly swells around 3 feet today. The ocean water temperature is 72 degrees. Spotty minor coastal flooding is possible with tonight's high tide.

Skies will be mostly sunny, with highs only in the upper 70s at the beach. Winds will be from the north around 10 miles per hour, becoming northeast late this morning, then east this afternoon.

The ultraviolet index is an 8, which the NWS considers very high. So don't forget your sunscreen. There is no rain in sight for the next few days, so there is no lightning threat.

High tide at Barnegat Inlet arrived at 6:40 a.m. Low tide will roll in at 12:47 p.m., followed by another high tide at 7:02 p.m.

Have a nice day and be careful out there!

Photo: Courtesy of Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol