Small craft advisory, rip current risk for Long Island's ocean waters

A small craft advisory continues for Long Island's South Shore waters until Thursday evening, the National Weather Service said in its marine report.

Northeast winds from 15 to 20 knots with gusts up to 25 knots and sea heights averaging 4 to 6 feet are likely to persist through the evening hours, the service's Upton office said.

The advisory covers Moriches Inlet to Montauk Point; Fire Island Inlet to Moriches Inlet; and Sandy Hook, New Jersey, to Fire Island Inlet.

High pressure passing over the area later Thursday and Friday will usher in more favorable conditions from Friday night through Monday, the service said. A slight chance of thunderstorms Saturday could generate some choppy seas and higher wind speeds.

For beachgoers, there is a moderate risk for rip currents at ocean beaches Thursday, the service said in a hazardous weather outlook.