Bertha's Secret Threat

As of 5 am, Hurricane Bertha, a category one hurricane with maximum sustained winds at 85 mph, was still 350 miles SSE of Bermuda. The storm is moving toward the NW at 7 mph, but a turn to the N-NE and a slower forward motion are expected during the next couple days. Bertha will track close to Bermuda today and Saturday, but looks to remain to the east of the island. But just because the storm will remain clear of the East Coast, doesn't mean we won't feel some effects from the storm.

Like Justin wrote below, long period swells (13-15 seconds) are already affecting the Mid Atlantic coast. The swells will continue over the next few days and conditions may become a little rough in and around inlets. There is also a moderate risk for rip currents today and through the weekend and even into the early part of next week. A moderate risk for rip currents mean that weather and ocean conditions are favorable for a greater than normal potential for rip current formation. Usually several rip currents will form and a few may be strong.


Rip current shot from above (Courtesy NOAA)

If you're at the beach and you see turbulent water traveling from the beach back out to sea, chances are it's a rip current forming! Be careful if you're swimming nearby. Here are some tips:

* Remember, always swim at beaches guarded by lifeguards.
* Remain calm.
* Signal to someone on the beach that you need help.
* If you're a strong swimmer, try to swim parallel to the beach until you're out of the current and then swim toward the shore.
* No matter how strong of a swimmer you are, never try to swim back to the shore directly against the rip current!!
* For less confident swimmers, wade sideways parallel to the beach until you are out of the current and then swim back to shore.

For more information on rip currents, head to http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/akq/marine/rip.php