As Labor Day weekend is officially underway the National Weather Service (NWS) is warning beachgoers in the Northeast to be aware of the potential danger of “life-threatening rip currents” that could affect areas from Delaware to New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.
The “tropical traffic jam” in the Atlantic Ocean has four named storms swirling and a fifth is expected to form soon, prompting the NWS to issue a warning about rip currents for all people entering the surf zone in New York, Long Island, and Connecticut areas.
New York Governor, Kathy Hochul, has since closed down ocean beaches for swimming due to potential flooding and rough surf conditions caused by Hurricane Franklin. However, she has made it clear that swimming is still acceptable in State Parks on Long Island Sound.
The NWS is offering advice about how to handle a rip current should you end up caught in one. Their advice includes to “relax and float” as well as to not swim against the current if possible. If you are unable to escape, it is recommended that you facing the shore and call or wave for help.
Along with the storms already at large, there is a disturbance off the coast of western Africa that is on the verge of becoming Tropical Storm Katia. This follows Florida’s landfall of Category 3 Hurricane Idalia on Wednesday morning, that has already caused “significant damage” according to the state’s Governor, Ron DeSantis.
In response to the destruction, President Biden has approved financial aid in the form of grants for temporary housing, home repairs, loans for uninsured property losses, and other programs to help the affected individuals and business owners in(FL) Florida.
Beach-goers should be extra vigilant and aware of the tropical and weather conditions as they prepare to enjoy the Labor Day weekend. Even if swimming is allowed in your area, those who visit the beaches should still stay out of the surf as the potentially life-threatening rip currents may be too powerful, even for the best swimmers.
