Carolina’s North and SouthBeaches in North and South Carolina are expected to see a breezy weekend due to a decreasing ridge of high pressure, but swimmers should be mindful of increased rip current risks in certain locations.
Outer Banks See Higher Rip Current Threat
With a consistent northeasterly to easterly breeze affecting coastal waters, the Morehead City National Weather Service cautions that rip current dangers will be significant for the Outer Banks through Sunday. The Crystal Coast and southern beaches are predicted to see more clouds than sun over the weekend, while the northern beaches might get more sunshine mixed with clouds.
Additionally, moderate rip current threats are anticipated for:
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Core Banks Beach area
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Wrightsville Beach to Bald Head Island
Before getting into the ocean, beachgoers are advised by meteorologists to keep a watchful eye on the surf conditions.
Safety Tips for Coastal Visitors
Experts emphasize that swimmers should swim calmly, save energy, and swim parallel to the coast until they are out of the river’s pull if they find themselves in a rip current.Bruckner Chase, a coastal safety advocate and NOAA’s Break the Grip of the Rip campaign, provides educational movies to help tourists understand maritime risks, such as shifting currents and shorebreak waves.
South Carolina Beach Outlook
Breezy weather and a moderate risk of rip currents are also expected for southern beaches, such as Myrtle Beach, Pawley’s Island, and Carolina Beach. Compared to the Outer Banks, cloud cover will be more continuous even though some sunshine is predicted.
For those who are planning water activities, NOAA’s official Tide and Currents resource provides real-time data.
This weekend, are you going to the Carolinas to see the beach? Post your images and experiences from the coast to the Saluda Standard-Sentinel community. Your first-hand information can keep other readers informed and safe.
