Earl's aftermath: Atlantic rip current risk
Beachgoers at Smith Point County Park get caught in the surf churned by Hurricane Earl makes its way northeast Friday. (Sept. 3, 2010) Credit: John Dunn
As Long Island beaches reopened after Hurricane Earl's passing, the National Weather Service warned of a moderate risk of dangerous rip currents along the Atlantic shore Sunday.
"That's still the only impact that is remaining from Earl," said John Murray, a meteorologist in the weather service's Upton office.
The weather service predicts 3- to 4-foot surf heights and 1-15 mph winds Sunday.
The weather service warned that strong rip currents can quickly move a swimmer away from the shoreline and advised beachgoers to check with lifeguards before entering the water.
"If you become caught in a rip current, stay calm and do not fight it," the weather service said in its rip-current warning issued Saturday. "Swim parallel to the shore until you break free of the current. Then swim at an angle, away from the current, toward the shore. If you are unable to escape by swimming, float or tread water."
Once the current weakens, the service advised, "swim at an angle away from the current toward the shore. If at any time you feel you will not be able to reach the shore, draw attention to yourself by calling or waving for help."
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