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Rips Currents & Coastal Flooding
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If there is a LOW threat of rip currents along the coast, the threats map will NOT be updated since this is the "normal" threat level. The map will be updated for INCREASED and DANGEROUS threats as described below and statements will be issued.

If more than one threat is highlighted in the legend, this means that multiple threats exist for the day.



Submit Rip Current Reports. Please include location, time and a call back number.


RIP CURRENTS Rip Currents are defined as narrow channels of water flowing seaward from the beach through areas of breaking waves. Although extremely localized, they result in numerous deaths every year. The National Weather Service cannot act as the authority in determining the likelihood of these events, however, some meteorological correlation techniques have been developed which enable offices to provide alert guidance to local safety officials. In such cases, a Marine Weather Statement or a Special Weather Statement may be issued alerting the public to threat of a Rip Current event given the meteorological conditions.
Rip Current Threat Levels
LOW Rip currents are always present along the beach, however, their intensity will vary based on certain conditions. When the threat is LOW this means that wave and wind conditions do not support the development of strong rip currents. However, under quiet meteorological conditions there is still a threat of rip currents due to tidal influences, sandbars and other factors. These non-meteorological effects can still cause rip currents and pose some threat.
INCREASED Some or all of the meteorological conditions which support stronger rip currents are developing along the coast, thus the magnitudes of the rip currents will increase. At this INCREASED threat level people entering the surf should be very cautious. Rip currents can effect anyone, especially inexperienced swimmers and children. The number of rescues may increase proportionally on these days.
DANGEROUS Meteorological conditions which support dangerous rip currents are present. A DANGEROUS threat level implies that rip currents are being enhanced by meteological conditions and are life threatening. Extreme care should be used by those who enter the surf. There may be a high number of rescues on these days.


Coastal Flooding
MINOR MINOR is used to represent nuisance coastal flooding of locations adjacent to the shore. Minor beach erosion can be expected. Minor coastal flooding is not expected to close roads or do any major structural damage to homes and other buildings.
MODERATE MODERATE is used to represent more substantial coastal flooding, threatening life and property. Some roads will likely become impassable due to flooding. Moderate beach erosion will occur along with damage to some homes, businesses,and other facilities.
MAJOR MAJOR is used to represent a serious threat to both life and property. Numerous roads will likely become flooded. Numerous homes and buisnesses along the coast will receive major damage. Persons should review safety precautions and prepare to evacuate if necessary. Major beach erosion is also expected.


COASTAL FLOOD WATCHES Coastal Flood Watches will be issued by the National Weather Service to inform the public and cooperating agencies that coastal flooding is possible approximately 12 to 36 hours after issuance time.
COASTAL FLOOD WARNINGS Coastal Flood Warnings are posted to warn the public and cooperating agencies that coastal flooding, posing a serious threat to life and property, is occurring, is imminent, or is expected within approximately the next 12 hours. The warning lead time may be expanded to about 24 hours when a strong likelihood of the event exists (e.g., minor coastal flooding is occurring; strong, favorable winds are expected to continue; and a spring tide will occur about 24 hours from now) or when a longer advance notice is needed for public response.

Local wind-driven waves can compound coastal flooding by superimposing themselves on the rise in the water level. Other important factors affecting the local severity, extent, and duration of coastal flooding include: (1) the various tidal cycles, (2) the persistence and behavior of the storm generating the flooding, (3) the topography, shoreline orientation, and bathymetry of the area, (4) the river stage or stream runoff in estuaries, and (5) the presence or absence of offshore reefs or other barriers. Coastal flooding intensities range from minor tidal overflow with little or no damage to a combination of the aforementioned causative factors resulting in extensive inundation and beach erosion.


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