Rip currents are not tidal flows like rip tides are. It’s a tidal flow of water within estuaries and other enclosed tidal areas. Unlike rip currents, rip tides are a strong, offshore current. If your coastal organization needs a bit of expert advice, check out our Meteorological Services offering and what our team of seasoned experts can do to provide you with peace of mind.Īlthough some use these terms interchangeably, rip currents and rip tides are different. Steve and our entire team of meteorologists help swimmers around the world stay safe from rip currents, sudden thunderstorms, and hurricanes. It’s important for all swimmers to be aware. For example, rip currents happen in the Great Lakes. Steve also pointed out that rip currents can occur in bodies of water that aren’t oceans. “Rip currents can overwhelm even the best swimmers,” so it’s important to stay calm. “Any time there’s an active stor m – tropical cyclone or regular ‘extratropical storm’ as we call it over the Atlantic – the threat is high along East Coast beaches,” says Earth Networks Meteorologist, Steve Prinzivalli. Then the excess water tends to flow back to the open water, resulting in a rip current.īecause rip currents are a result of the weather, active storms can enhance overall rip current risk and strength. This causes a slight rise in water level along the shore. A rip current forms when wind and breaking waves push surface water towards the land. ![]() Rip currents happen because of the weather. That’s faster than an Olympic swimmer! WATCH THIS FEATURED VIDEO: Rip Current Science (NOAA) Why Do Rip Currents Happen? However, rip currents can move at speeds of 8 feet per second. These narrow channels of water typically reach speeds of approximately 1 to 2 feet per second. You can find rip currents in any ocean, but they are most common around low spots, sandbars, and structures. ![]() We hope you find this information helpful as you keep yourself and your loved ones safe from rip currents this summer! What Is A Rip Current?Ī rip current is a localized current that flows away from the shoreline towards the ocean.
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