High risk for rip currents Thursday off Long Island's Atlantic beaches, National Weather Service says

Beachgoers should know that dangerous rip currents are expected Thursday morning through evening along Atlantic Ocean shores, with a "high risk" advisory issued, the National Weather Service said.

The surf height is predicted to be in the range of 2 feet to 4 feet.

Rip currents are powerful water channels flowing quickly away from shore, the service said. Swimmers should heed flags and posted signs and swim only in areas with lifeguards.