Same Script: Rough Seas, Rip Current Risk is Very High

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ - The National Weather Service has the same dreary forecast for Ocean County beaches today as it has for the past few days - a high rip current risk, rough seas and rain, which could be heavy at times.

So it's probably a good day to go to a movie. Even the ultraviolet index is only a 4, so you wouldn't get much of a tan if you just wanted to lie on the beach.

The rip current risk is high, which means dangerous and potentially life- threatening conditions exist in the ocean. Stay out of the high surf. Many beach patrols are not allowing swimmers to go in or are restricting them to knee-high depths. Harvey Cedars in Long Beach Island has banned any ocean swimming.

Be sure to check with your local beach patrols. Never, ever swim on an unguarded beach and never swim alone or at night. Too many people have already drowned in the ocean this summer.

Waves today will be around 6 feet, with southeasterly swells of 3 feet. The ocean water temperature is 73 degrees, but that could vary from beach to beach. Winds will be from the south at 15 miles per hour,

Skies will be cloudy, with showers and a chance of thunderstorms. Highs today will be in the upper 70s. The lightning threat is moderate, which means that thunderstorms are possible. A flash flood watch is in effect through tonight.

High tide at Barnegat Inlet arrived at 6:48 a.m. Low tide will roll in at 12:53 p.m., followed by another high tide at 7:06 p.m.

Have a nice day and be careful out there!

Photo: Patricia A. Miller