The National Weather Service has issued a high rip current risk alert for Newport County and surrounding coastal areas, effective from Thursday morning through Thursday evening.
The alert warns of dangerous rip currents expected along the shores of Newport and other coastal regions in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Beachgoers and swimmers are urged to exercise extreme caution during this period.
Rip currents, powerful channeled currents of water flowing away from shore, can quickly pull even experienced swimmers out to sea. The National Weather Service emphasizes that these currents pose a significant threat to public safety.
“Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water,” the alert states, highlighting the potential danger to all beach visitors.
The high-risk area extends beyond Newport County, encompassing Washington County in Rhode Island, as well as several Massachusetts counties including Eastern Essex, Eastern Plymouth, Southern Bristol, Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket.
Rip Current Statement
MAZ007-019-020-022>024-RIZ006>008-190830-
/O.NEW.KBOX.RP.S.0009.240919T1200Z-240920T0000Z/
Eastern Essex MA-Eastern Plymouth MA-Southern Bristol MA-
Barnstable MA-Dukes MA-Nantucket MA-Washington RI-Newport RI-
Block Island RI-
322 PM EDT Wed Sep 18 2024
…HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH
THURSDAY EVENING…
* WHAT…Dangerous rip currents expected.
* WHERE…Washington, Eastern Essex MA, Eastern Plymouth MA,
Southern Bristol MA, Barnstable MA, Dukes MA, Nantucket MA,
and Newport RI Counties.
* WHEN…From Thursday morning through Thursday evening.
* IMPACTS…Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
from shore into deeper water.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don’t swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.
