Did You Know? Rip currents are the leading weather related killer along the north central Gulf Coast. From 1996 to 2017, 101 rip current fatalities have occurred across coastal Alabama and the western Florida panhandle (Pensacola, FL to Destin, FL). That is nearly double the combined total fatalities from lightning, tropical systems, tornadoes, and floods during the same time period across the entire 20 county warning area served by the National Weather Service Mobile/Pensacola.
In an effort to reach more people in a timelier manner and in coordination with local partners, NWS Mobile/Pensacola transitioned to a permanent 4-day outlook within the Surf Zone Forecast on March 1, 2018. In addition to the changes in the Surf Zone Forecast, a graphical outlook is produced daily that highlights the forecast rip current risk during the 4-day outlook period. This graphic will be routinely posted on the front of the NWS Mobile/Pensacola webpage and our social media platforms (Facebook & Twitter). The ultimate goal is that the information contained in these products will reach more people prior to them arriving at the beach and provide timely information about the potential for deadly rip currents during their visit.
In addition, we will continue to issue a High Rip Current Risk statement for our local beaches anytime we have a High Risk indicated during the first 36 hours of the forecast. This statement is issued as part of the Coastal Hazard Message product.
Example Graphical Rip Current Outlook - Not a Current Forecast
You can access the latest Rip Current Forecast for coastal Alabama and the western Florida Panhandle any time by checking out our Beach Forecast Page.
For the forecast for other beaches across the country, you can visit the National Beach Forecast Page and click on the umbrella that is closest to the beach you are visiting.
Learn more about the dangers of rip currents: Rip Current Safety Page
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