3 storms bring dangerous rip currents to East Coast beaches

Swimming has been suspended at Long Island, New York, beaches.

August 31, 2023, 2:36 PM

Hurricane Franklin, which is churning near Bermuda, is bringing huge waves and dangerous rip currents to the entire East Coast ahead of Labor Day weekend.

Tropical Storm Jose and the remnants of Hurricane Idalia are also contributing to the rip currents.

A rip current, which flows out toward the ocean, can quickly pull a swimmer away from the shore.

Rip currents usually reach a speed of 1 to 2 feet per second, but some can clock in at 8 feet per second, which is faster than an Olympic swimmer, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Franklin, a Category 2 hurricane, is not expected to directly hit the U.S. But in North Carolina, waves could be as high as 11 feet.

PHOTO: Hurricane Franklin could cause dangerous rip currents.
Hurricane Franklin could cause dangerous rip currents.
ABC News

On New York's Long Island, where the surf could reach 8 feet, Gov. Kathy Hochul said she's suspending swimming at ocean-facing beaches.

The National Weather Service's high surf advisory will remain in effect on Long Island until 6 p.m. Thursday.

The high surf advisory even stretches into Maine where waves could top 7 feet.

Click here for what you need to know about surviving rip currents.

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