Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to weaken and dissipate over the Gulf of Mexico early this week. While the direct threat to land has diminished, the storm’s remnants will continue to influence weather conditions in the region.
Rip Current Risk:
As Tropical Storm Rafael moves through the Gulf, it will generate strong rip currents along the Gulf Coast. The National Weather Service has issued Rip Current Alerts for Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic beaches.
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Beachgoers are urged to exercise extreme caution and only swim at beaches with lifeguards present.
Key Safety Tips:
- Check local forecasts and beach conditions: Before heading to the beach, consult local weather forecasts and speak with lifeguards about current conditions.
- Swim at guarded beaches: Lifeguards are trained to identify and respond to rip currents.
- Don’t underestimate the danger: Even on calm days, rip currents can form and pose a serious threat to swimmers.
- If caught in a rip current: Remain calm, don’t fight the current, and swim parallel to the shore until you’re out of the current. Then swim diagonally back to shore.
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