High rip current risk along southeast NC coast Tuesday, NWS says

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WNCN) — As Hurricane Gabrielle churns in the Atlantic Ocean, the National Weather Service in Wilmington said parts of coastal southeast North Carolina will be under a high rip current risk Tuesday.

According to NWS Wilmington, “dangerous rip currents” are expected along the coasts of New Hanover County and Pender County, leading them to issue a rip current statement. The alert will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday.

“Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water,” the advisory said.

NWS Wilmington advises beachgoers to swim near a lifeguard if possible.

“If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don’t swim against the current,” forecasters said. “If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.”

As of late Monday night, Hurricane Gabrielle is a Category 4 storm located about 220 miles east of Bermuda and about 975 miles off the coast of Wilmington. According to the National Hurricane Center, Gabrielle is expected to generate swells impacting Bermuda and the east coast of the U.S. from North Carolina northward for the next few days.

“These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions,” the NHC’s latest advisory said.

Hurricane Gabrielle is not expected to make landfall in the U.S.