Hurricane Franklin raises risk for rip currents along Jersey Shore
The National Weather Service is warning of potentially dangerous surf and rip current conditions along the Jersey Shore due to a distant hurricane.
It said the potentially life-threatening conditions are occurring along the East Coast even as Hurricane Franklin moves out to sea from the southeastern United States toward Bermuda.
“These conditions are expected to continue during the next couple of days,” the Weather Service said Wednesday morning.
Hurricane Franklin spares South Jersey
It described the risk of rip currents as moderate along the Jersey Shore, but otherwise forecast little impact on the region from Franklin.
“The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low,” the agency said.
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A coastal flood advisory was in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday until 1 a.m. Thursday, particularly for areas near the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.
But any flooding was likely to be minor and largely unrelated to Franklin, the Weather Service said.
The Weather Service blamed the rip currents, which can carry people away from the shore, on "strong swells" caused by Franklin.
“It’s kind of like a ripple effect,” said Ray Martin, a meteorologist at the agency’s Westampton office. “If you drop a pebble or a stone in a pond, and the water ripples out — that’s basically what we have happening."
How to survive a rip current
People who venture into the surf should swim near a lifeguard, the Weather Service advised.
“If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don't swim against the current,” it cautioned.
“If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline,” the advisory continued. “If unable to escape, face theshore and call or wave for help.”
And while any local flooding was expected to be minor, the agency also warned some roads may be closed.
“Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth,” it said, adding people should protect flood-prone property.
Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: jwalsh@cpsj.com.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Hurricane Franklin is causing rip currents along Jersey Shore
