News Summary
Beachgoers in Virginia Beach and northeastern North Carolina are being alerted to a high risk of dangerous rip currents, particularly on July 23. The National Weather Service has indicated life-threatening conditions, leading local beach patrols to advise swimmers to avoid the surf zone. Red flags are flying along the oceanfront, signaling unsafe swimming. Lifeguards have cautioned that rip currents could pose severe dangers, especially as Hurricane Ernesto approaches, which may further heighten the risks this weekend.
Virginia Beach – Beachgoers are being warned about an increased risk of dangerous rip currents along the coast of Virginia Beach and northeastern North Carolina. The National Weather Service has forecasted life-threatening rip currents are highly probable, specifically on Wednesday, July 23. First responders in these areas are urging all swimmers to avoid the surf zone altogether due to the hazardous conditions.
Local beach patrols have advised beach patrons to remain vigilant and heed all warning systems. Red flags are currently being flown along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, indicating unsafe swimming conditions. Swimmers are advised to remain in shallow water, only venturing out to their waists, with further restrictions likely depending on the evolving conditions.
The risk of rip currents extends from Virginia Beach Oceanfront to Cape Lookout and Morehead City. Lifeguards in the area are on high alert, and beachgoers are encouraged to consult them for the latest updates on water conditions. Wednesday’s low tide in Virginia Beach is expected at 1:05 p.m., and choppy waters will combine with temperatures around 80 degrees, creating additional challenges for swimmers.
Rip currents are defined as powerful channels of water flowing away from the shore, which can easily pull individuals into deeper waters. Safety experts have emphasized the importance of remaining calm if caught in a rip current, suggesting specific actions such as yelling for help, swimming parallel to the shore, or swimming toward deeper waters until free from the current.
The beach patrol is also monitoring the approach of Hurricane Ernesto, which could elevate the hazards with strong waves and intensified rip currents. Captain Joe Donnelly from the Bethany Beach Patrol has indicated that surf heights could reach between four to six feet over the weekend due to Ernesto’s influence. He is set to coordinate with lifeguards to establish safety plans and possible beach restrictions in anticipation of the storm’s impact.
Hurricane Ernesto previously resulted in significant power and water outages in Puerto Rico, leading to concerns about its trajectory and potential effects on the east coast. The rip current risk is anticipated to persist through Sunday and possibly into Monday, as storm conditions continue to develop.
The Virginia Beach Ocean Rescue’s implementation of red flags signifies a proactive approach to swimmer safety, restricting access to the waters and stressing the dangers associated with rip currents. Experts have cautioned that even experienced surfers and swimmers may find it challenging to navigate the increased pull of rip currents in these heightened surf conditions.
As beachgoers prepare to enjoy the summer weather, they are urged to prioritize their safety. Understanding the risks and adhering to safety protocols can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and emergencies. Lifeguards stand ready to assist and provide guidance; swimmers should leverage their expertise and remain aware of changing ocean conditions.
In chronic opposition to the temperamental nature of the ocean, swimmers and surfers alike are reminded to stay informed, respect posted warnings, and prioritize their safety as the weekend approaches.
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Life-Threatening Rip Currents Warnings for Outer Banks
Additional Resources
- 13 News Now: Rip Current Risk
- WAVY: What Causes a Rip Current?
- Fox 5 DC: Hurricane Ernesto & Rip Currents
- Penn Live: High Rip Current Risk
- WAVY: Beachgoers Cautious of Rip Currents
- Wikipedia: Rip Current
- Google Search: Rip Currents
- Google Scholar: Rip Currents Research
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rip Current
- Google News: Rip Currents
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
