While the path of Hurricane Erin is expected to remain hundreds of miles off the New Jersey coast, Atlantic County officials urge residents and visitors to our area to heed warnings for dangerous rip currents and unusually high surf activity along the coast over the next several days.
A high rip current risk remains in effect through Wednesday evening and a high surf advisory will be in effect Wednesday morning through Friday morning, as issued by the National Weather Service.
“Beach goers need to be aware of the risks and to only swim in waters protected by a lifeguard,” stated Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson. “If caught in a rip current, relax and float, or swim parallel to the shoreline. Don’t try to swim against the current.”
Levinson noted that a few beaches along the coast have already restricted swimming, including Ventnor and Wildwood while Atlantic City is only permitting bathers in knee-deep waters.
New Jersey has had several rescues involving rip currents this summer in addition to two drownings, one in Seaside Heights and another in Belmar.
“Rip currents combined with high surf activity can produce life-threatening conditions for inexperienced as well as experienced swimmers,” said Levinson. “It may be best to stay out of the water for the next few days.”
Another impact of Hurricane Erin’s high winds, high tides and hurricane swells is a potential for flooding along the coast and up tidal rivers. Warm ocean waters help fuel hurricanes that carry larger amounts of water, raising flood risks.
Levinson said county officials will continue to monitor the storm and recommended residents and visitors sign up to receive emergency alerts through the county’s emergency notification system on the county website at: atlanticcountynj.gov.
“Enjoy our beautiful beaches, but please take the necessary precautions to protect yourselves and your loved ones,” said Levinson.
