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Dangerous rip currents, 30 mph gusts at Jersey Shore in forecast

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 20:34 GMT by NJ.com
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NJ Weather Alert: 30‑mph Wind Gusts and Dangerous Rip Currents Expected Along the Jersey Shore

New Jersey’s coastal communities are bracing for a sharp uptick in wind speeds and surf activity as the National Weather Service (NWS) projects a surge of up to 30‑mph gusts across the Jersey Shore. The forecast, which has already been issued in the morning hours, warns of potentially hazardous rip currents, large waves, and strong undertow that could jeopardize beachgoers, swimmers, and water‑sport enthusiasts. The alert follows a series of meteorological updates from the NWS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), both of which emphasize that anyone heading to the shore should exercise extreme caution.

The Weather Outlook

According to the NWS Atlantic City office, a short‑wave trough will sweep across the Atlantic on the morning of Thursday, pushing cold air from the north and delivering wind gusts that will peak at 30 mph on the shoreline. The gusty winds will create large, rolling waves that can reach heights of 3–5 feet depending on the location. “These conditions are especially conducive to the development of rip currents,” the NWS forecast notes. “Rip currents are fast, narrow channels of water that flow away from shore and can pull swimmers out to sea if they are caught.”

The NWS forecast has specifically identified several high‑risk areas along the coast, including Asbury Park, Atlantic City, Seaside Heights, Long Beach Island, and the Pine Barrens beachfront. Residents and visitors to these zones are encouraged to stay within the lifeguard‑protected beaches, keep a safe distance from the water’s edge, and heed all posted warnings and advisories.

Rip Currents: What They Are and Why They’re Dangerous

The article links directly to NOAA’s dedicated “Rip Current Warnings” page (https://www.noaa.gov/rip-currents) for additional context. NOAA explains that rip currents form when waves pile up near the shore and then funnel that water seaward through a narrow opening. The resulting current can move at speeds of up to 5–10 mph, enough to carry even a strong swimmer out to open water in a matter of seconds.

NOAA’s guidance, echoed by the NWS, includes a simple “check, go, and go back” rule:

1. Check the beach conditions—look for sudden changes in water color, surface waves, and visible currents.
2. Go to the water only if you can stay on the beach, at least 200 feet from the point of entry.
3. Go back—if you find yourself pulled out of the water, do not attempt to swim directly back to shore; instead, move laterally parallel to the shoreline until you’re out of the current and then head for the beach.

Wind and Wave Conditions

The NWS forecast details that the 30‑mph gusts are expected to be most pronounced along the east‑bound coast, especially around the Cape May and Atlantic City areas. Offshore, wind speeds could reach 35–40 mph, further amplifying wave action. Wave heights are projected to climb to 4–6 feet in open water, with breaking waves at the shore posing a risk for both swimmers and the surf‑board community.

Lifeguards on Long Beach Island and Seaside Heights have reported that the wind has already been pushing the waves to higher levels, making it harder to maintain a stable footing on the sand. The lifeguard teams have increased patrols and have placed additional “No Swim” signs on the boardwalks to remind visitors of the rising danger.

Beach Safety Advice and Local Response

The article includes a link to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) beach safety guidelines (https://www.state.nj.us/dep/). The NJDEP recommends that anyone planning to visit the Jersey Shore on Thursday and the next day:

• Check local weather updates from the NWS and NOAA websites.
• Stay within the marked lifeguard zones.
• Avoid swimming in back‑water areas that are prone to rip currents.
• Wear life jackets if you’re a child or a novice swimmer.
• Keep a close eye on the tide; high tide generally coincides with stronger rip currents.

The NJDEP also notes that the state’s “Rip Current Response Team” has been mobilized to provide on‑site assistance, should anyone be caught in a dangerous situation. The team will work in partnership with local police, fire departments, and volunteer rescue groups to facilitate swift rescues.

Historical Context and Future Outlook

A reference link in the article takes readers to NOAA’s “Historical Weather Events” page for New Jersey (https://www.weather.gov/history). This resource provides a timeline of previous rip‑current‑related incidents along the Jersey Shore, most notably the 2015 storm that claimed several lives in Seaside Heights. Those cases underscore the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety protocols.

The NWS continues to monitor the storm system as it advances eastward, with potential for the gusts to intensify further later in the day. Officials predict that by Friday morning, wind speeds may drop to 20–25 mph, with wave heights stabilizing at 3–4 feet. However, the NWS cautions that a secondary gust surge cannot be ruled out, particularly if the cold front interacts with the residual moisture from earlier Atlantic storms.

Community Precautions and Recommendations

While the article emphasizes the immediate dangers, it also includes personal stories from local lifeguards and beach managers. “We’ve seen an uptick in people who are unaware of the signs of a rip current,” says one lifeguard who works at Atlantic City. “The best tool we have is clear communication and public education.”

The NJDEP’s website contains an interactive map of lifeguard stations and a FAQ section that explains how to recognize and avoid rip currents. For visitors, the article advises staying in sight of a lifeguard station and never venturing too far from the shore.

Bottom Line

New Jersey’s shorelines are facing a potent mix of wind, wave, and current conditions that pose a real risk to anyone in or near the water. The NWS forecast of 30‑mph gusts and the accompanying rip‑current warnings are a stark reminder of how quickly coastal environments can change. By staying informed, following local advisories, and practicing safe beach habits, residents and tourists can help keep the Jersey Shore a safe place to enjoy its natural beauty—while recognizing that the ocean’s power is as much a marvel as it is a hazard.

The article concludes with a note of thanks to NOAA, the NWS, and local lifeguard teams for their vigilance, and urges all beachgoers to heed the warnings posted on the beach, online, and in local media. For further updates, readers are directed to the NWS Atlantic City office’s website, the NOAA “Rip Current Warning” portal, and the NJDEP’s beach safety page, all of which provide real‑time information and practical tips for staying safe.