Tropical storm expected to bring rain, rip tides to N.J. Shore

As Tropical Storm Arthur moves north from Florida, it could bring heavy rain and winds to the Jersey Shore.

Even though the storm is expected to be well off the coast, Belmar lifeguard supervisor Ray Elms says rip currents could pose a threat for swimmers throughout the weekend.

“They form like a little channel on the ocean bottom, and the waves gravitate to it, and it kind pulls the swimmers back out to sea” Elms explained. “The best way to stay out of that is to pay attention to lifeguard warnings and stay out of that area.

“If your find yourself caught in one, swim parallel to the shore, don’t try to fight it,” he said.

Officials say wind and tides may be of concern on July Fourth, depending on Arthur’s eventual track Friday. And the forecast is calling for the possibility of heavy rain on Thursday.

Asbury Park Mayor Myra Campbell said Shore merchants still trying to recover from Sandy don’t want to see another storm.

If rains don’t allow a planned fireworks display and outdoor concert on the holiday, she said they’ll be held later in the weekend when the weather improves.