Rip Current Risk Increases As Tropical Storm Chris Edges Closer

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ - Tropical Storm Chris may be stalled off the Carolina coast, but it will bring rough surf and dangerous rip currents to Monmouth County beaches over the next several days.

The storm not expected to be a threat to New Jersey and will stay well offshore, according to the National Weather Service.

"Strong winds associated with Chris will cause dangerous surf and rip currents up the Mid-Atlantic coast," the NWS says.

The rip current risk in Monmouth County today is moderate. Be sure to check with your local beach patrol before going in the water. Never swim on an unguarded beach and never swim alone or at night. Several people have already died on Jersey Shore beaches this summer. Don't be a statistic.

Skies will be sunny today and temperatures will inch into the upper 80s. Winds will be from the southwest around 5 to 10 miles per hour. There's no rain expected, so there is no lightning threat.

Waves will be from 3 to 4 feet, with southeasterly swells of 2 feet.The ocean water temperature is 71 degrees.

The ultraviolet index is a 9, which the NWS considers very high. Don't forget the sunscreen.

High tide at Belmar arrived at 5:14 a.m. Low tide will roll in at 11:16 a.m., followed by another high tide at 5:38 p.m.

Have a nice day and be careful out there!

Photo: Patricia A. Miller