Meteorologists from the National Weather Service have issued advisories in California, North Carolina, and Florida warning beachgoers about dangerous currents on Thursday. The advisories highlighted the risks posed by longshore currents and rip currents, advising people to stay out of the water until the danger passes. In North Carolina, meteorologist Bob Bright explained that longshore currents, driven by strong winds, were causing hazardous conditions on some beaches. Meanwhile, in California, NWS Los Angeles warned of waves up to 10 feet and rip currents, posing a risk of ocean drowning and washing people off beaches or rocks.
Swimmers caught in rip currents were advised to remain calm, swim parallel to the shore, or float until out of the current. While warnings were also issued in Texas and Alabama, swimmers were not explicitly advised against entering the water. Rip currents have been highlighted as a significant weather-related danger in the region, with warnings in place through late Sunday night in Alabama and Thursday night in Texas.