High rip current risk extended through Friday. Here’s what to know

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — Forecasters say dangerous rip currents are expected in several coastal Lowcountry counties through Thursday night. Here’s how to spot them, why the risk is here, and what to do if you get stuck in one.

The National Weather Service (NWS) says the high rip current risk is in effect for coastal Colleton and Charleston counties.

Before you cool off in the ocean, especially over the next two days, look for signs of rip currents. What do you look for? If a rip current is present, look for variation in water color, water motion, and the shape of the waves as they come in and break compared to nearby areas.

Avoid the area if you see a section that looks choppier and churning, lines of foam, seaweed, or debris moving seaward or breaking from the incoming wave pattern.

If you’re inexperienced with the water and rip currents, Storm Team 2 Meteorologists recommend staying out of the water or swimming near a lifeguard if they are present.

Say you miss the signs and find yourself caught in a rip current. The first thing is don’t panic. Rip currents do not pull you under the water. Weather experts say to relax and float if possible.

Try swimming parallel to the shoreline. When you’re out of the current, swim and angle yourself away from it and towards the shore. If you can’t escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.

Why do we have a high risk for Wednesday and Thursday?

Meteorologist Jed Christoph explains that a high-pressure area northeast of the region coupled with a weak pressure area underneath leaves a spot in the middle where a pressure gradient is slamming easterly wind into our area.

According to Christoph, those easterly winds are building the swell, elevating the rip current risk.