Dangerous Rip Currents, Strong Longshore Currents Hit NC Coast Through Evening
NWS warns of dangerous rip currents and strong longshore currents threatening swimmers along NC and SC coasts through 8 PM today.
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA — The National Weather Service has issued beach hazard warnings for multiple coastal counties in North Carolina and South Carolina, alerting beachgoers to dangerous rip currents and strong longshore currents that will persist until 8:00 PM EDT today.
The NWS Wilmington office issued separate alerts at 10:57 AM EDT covering coastal areas in New Hanover and Pender counties in North Carolina, along with Georgetown and Horry counties in South Carolina. Both warnings remain in effect through this evening.
Hazardous Conditions Threaten Swimmers
The most severe threat involves dangerous rip currents that can sweep even experienced swimmers away from shore into deeper water, according to the National Weather Service. These currents are accompanied by strong north-to-south longshore currents that pose additional risks to beachgoers.
In coastal Pender County, North Carolina, and coastal Horry County, South Carolina, officials report a moderate risk of rip currents combined with strong longshore currents. Meanwhile, coastal New Hanover County, North Carolina, and coastal Georgetown County, South Carolina, face the highest threat level with dangerous rip currents.
Swimmers Face Multiple Hazards
The longshore currents present particular dangers as they can sweep swimmers and surfers into rip currents, piers, jetties, and other hazardous coastal structures. These powerful currents may also knock swimmers off their feet, making it extremely difficult to return safely to shore.
The combination of both rip currents and longshore currents creates a complex and dangerous beach environment that threatens even strong swimmers. Rip currents alone can pull people away from shore into deeper waters where rescue becomes more challenging.
Safety Precautions Urged
Beach safety officials typically recommend that swimmers caught in rip currents swim parallel to shore until they escape the current’s pull, then swim back to land at an angle. However, the presence of strong longshore currents complicates standard escape techniques.
The National Weather Service warnings cover some of the most popular beach destinations along the Carolina coast during the Memorial Day weekend period. The timing of the hazardous conditions coincides with increased beach activity as visitors take advantage of the holiday weekend.
Local emergency management officials and lifeguard services are expected to monitor conditions closely throughout the day as the warnings remain in effect until this evening.
