Virginia Beach, Va. – Swimmers and surfers are being urged to stay out of the Atlantic waters Saturday as high rip current risks remain in effect for beaches across Virginia, Maryland, and eastern North Carolina. Breaking waves of four to five feet are creating hazardous conditions, especially for those near Virginia Beach and the Outer Banks.
According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, the Beach Hazards Statement remains in place until Saturday evening, warning of dangerous rip currents from Maryland beaches south through Eastern Currituck County in North Carolina. The threat also extends to Accomack and Northampton counties on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
Rip currents can quickly pull even experienced swimmers out to sea, officials said. The safest advice is to remain out of the water entirely until the hazard subsides. Those who enter the surf are advised to swim near a lifeguard, never swim alone, and know how to escape a rip current by swimming parallel to shore.
Sunny skies and calm weather will follow the beach hazard, with highs in the mid-70s Sunday and Monday. The next chance of rain arrives by midweek.
Warnings will remain in effect until Saturday evening, with updates posted by the National Weather Service.
Five Day Forecast for Virginia Beach, VA
- Saturday: Sunny, high near 72. Rip current risk until evening.
- Sunday: Sunny, high near 73, low 59.
- Monday: Sunny, high near 75, low 63.
- Tuesday: Sunny, high near 77, low 66.
- Wednesday: Chance of showers, high near 81, breezy.
