New York, NY – The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Advisory and a High Rip Current Risk for ocean-facing beaches in New York City and Long Island, warning that dangerous swimming conditions are expected throughout Monday.
The advisories remain in effect from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday for Kings (Brooklyn), Southern Queens, Southern Nassau County, Southwest Suffolk County and Southeast Suffolk County. Forecasters say powerful waves and hazardous currents will create life-threatening conditions for anyone entering the water.
According to the National Weather Service, “Large breaking waves of 6 to 10 feet expected in the surf zone.” The agency also warned that “dangerous rip currents” are expected throughout the day.
Large waves increase beach hazards
Forecasters said breaking waves between 6 and 10 feet will impact the Atlantic coastline, with the highest surf expected along the ocean beaches of Suffolk County.
The combination of rough surf and strong rip currents could create dangerous conditions for swimmers, surfers and anyone entering the water. The Weather Service also warned that localized beach erosion is possible due to the pounding surf.
Officials said, “Life-threatening rip currents are likely for all people entering the surf zone. Anyone visiting the beaches should stay out of the surf.”
Officials urge swimmers to stay out of the water
The National Weather Service advises inexperienced swimmers to remain completely out of the water during the advisory period.
For those who do enter the surf, officials recommend always carrying a flotation device and swimming only near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, the Weather Service advises people to remain calm, float rather than fight the current and swim parallel to the shoreline if possible.
“If unable to escape, face the shore and yell or wave for help,” the advisory states.
Moderate to high rip current risk continues this week
While the current advisories expire Monday evening, forecasters noted that a moderate to high rip current risk is expected to continue on Wednesday.
Beach conditions can change rapidly depending on wave action, tides and wind direction, and visitors are encouraged to check the latest forecasts before entering the water later this week.
What happens next
The High Surf Advisory and High Rip Current Risk remain in effect until 9 p.m. Monday. The National Weather Service will continue monitoring coastal conditions and may issue additional advisories if hazardous surf persists.
Beachgoers are encouraged to follow instructions from local lifeguards and public safety officials and monitor the latest forecasts before visiting the shoreline.
About this investigation
This report is based on the Coastal Hazard Message issued Monday morning by the National Weather Service in New York (Upton), including the High Surf Advisory and High Rip Current Risk for New York City and Long Island beaches.
With millions of residents and visitors expected at area beaches during the summer season, dangerous surf and rip currents remain one of the leading weather-related hazards along the Atlantic coast. Even experienced swimmers can be pulled into deeper water by powerful rip currents, prompting officials to urge people to stay out of the surf until conditions improve.
