Long Island Weather: Strong Rip Currents, Flooding Possible

We don't have to worry about Hurricane Chris hitting Long Island, but the National Weather Service says we do have to worry about the strong rip currents the storm is creating off the coast.

The National Weather Service has issued a rip current warning for all of the beaches on Long Island's South Shore until 9 p.m. tonight.

Rip currents are powerful currents that flow away from the shore and can quickly pull swimmers into deep water. They usually form near low spots and jetties.

In addition to rip currents, the NWS also warned of the possibility of minor coastal flooding with the high tide tonight, which is around 6:45 p.m. There is also the possibility of thundershowers tonight.

The good news is, if you're not by the water, it's going to be a gorgeous week. Here's the forecast for the rest of the week:

• Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 80. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
• Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.
• Friday: Sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming southeast 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.
• Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
• Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.
• Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 86.
• Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Photo: Maria Cormack-Pitts/Patch