Moderate risk of rip currents today as Hurricane Edouard swell fills in

Swimmers should exercise caution as long period swells from Hurricane Edouard are hitting the shoreline Wednesday morning, forecasters say.

While the tropical cyclone is situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean nearly 600 miles east-northeast of Bermuda and heading away from the United States, its swells are impacting the New Jersey region.

“There wasn’t much earlier today, but now, at 10:30 a.m., the waves have definitely gotten bigger,” said South Seaside Park surfer Josh Starter. 

Accordingly, the National Weather Service has issued a moderate risk of rip currents for Wednesday. The forecasters say the enhanced risk may extend into Thursday, with waves peaking at four feet. 

A moderate risk means that swimmers should expect stronger or more frequent rip currents and should always have a flotation device and swim only in life guarded areas.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from the shore, often occurring in low spots or breaks in the sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as groins, jetties, and piers.