NWS Issues High Surf Advisory, Warns of Strong Rip Currents

The National Weather Service is warning surfers and swimmers of strong rip currents expected to exist in local waters through Friday. 

A strong ocean swell is approaching as Hurricane Katia moves towards the East Coast. The swell is expected to create strong rip currents along parts of Southern New England from Wednesday through Friday. 

A high surf advisory is in effect from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday for all areas along the south coast of Rhode Island and coastal Bristol County.

Surf is also expected to range in height from four feet to 12 feet during beach hours on Wednesday. The high surf advisory is expected to extend through Thursday and Friday. 

Surfers are being warned of strong rip currents and dangerous surf heights. The narrow currents can rapidly carry a swimmer into deeper water and exhaust an individual. 

If you are a poor swimmer and caught in a rip current, the NWS advises to swim parallel to the beach until out of the current's pull. Also, good swimmers may escape by riding the current out beyond the surf zone. 

Swimmers should never attempt to swim back to share against the current, according to NWS. Swimmers and surfers should also follow the instructions of beach patrol at all times.

For more information

• Get the local surf report here.
• Click on "Keep me posted" below.
• Follow Hurricane Katia's project path on the NOAA website.