Very Rough Surf, High Rip Current Risk Forecast For Ocean County Beaches Today

This is not a good day for the beach.

The National Weather Service is predicting waves of 8 feet, with easterly swells of 7 to 9 feet. Winds will be from the northeast at 25 miles per hour. The ocean water temperature is 72 degrees.

"High surf and large swells will produce dangerous, pounding surf and rip currents at the beaches," the NWS says. "These rip currents will be life-threatening to anyone who enters the surf. Anyone visiting the beaches should stay out of the water."

The rip current risk is high, which means wind and wave conditions can support strong or more frequent rip currents, especially near jetties, piers and and other areas, especially during low tide

There's a high risk of thunderstorms, which means that thunderstorms are likely or expected. The UV index is a 1.

The NWS has also issued a coastal flood watch from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. today.

High tide at Barnegat Inlet arrived a 7:12 a.m. Low tide will roll in at 1:30 p.m., followed by another low tide at 7:29 p.m.

Image: Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol.