Portland, Maine – Dangerous surf will create life-threatening conditions along the southern Maine and New Hampshire coasts Thursday, with the National Weather Service warning of a high rip current risk through this evening and large breaking waves lasting into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Gray, the rip current risk is in effect until Thursday evening for York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, and Knox counties in Maine, as well as Rockingham County in New Hampshire. Beginning Friday morning, a high surf advisory will take over, lasting through Saturday night with waves reaching 6 to 10 feet in southern Maine and 4 to 6 feet in Waldo County.
Officials urge swimmers to stay near lifeguards and inexperienced swimmers to remain out of the water entirely. Rip currents can sweep even strong swimmers offshore. Safety experts advise floating rather than fighting the current and signaling for help if unable to escape. Large waves also pose a hazard to people standing on rocks near the ocean, with the potential to knock them into cold, rough surf.
Localized beach erosion is also expected as the high surf persists through Saturday. Additional advisories may follow if hazardous conditions extend into the weekend.
