Texas, Florida forecast to see life-threatening rip current threat from Hurricane Rafael
While Hurricane Rafael isn't forecast to hit the U.S. in the intermediate future, the storm is forecast to bring life-threatening rip currents for parts of Florida, Alabama and Texas over the weekend.
How to survive a rip current
Do you know what to do if you find yourself caught in a rip current while swimming? Swim instructor and owner of Swim With Gills Christina Gillin-Theiss joined FOX Weather from Jupiter Island, Florida, to explain how you can stay safe and survive if you’re struggling in the water.
While it is not expected to directly impact the U.S., Hurricane Rafael is causing life-threatening rip current conditions across parts of Florida, Alabama, and Texas on Friday and into the weekend.
A High Rip Current Warning was issued by the National Weather Service covering the Florida panhandle down to the Fort Myers area, as well as parts of the southeast Texas coast.
FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross said that Rafael somewhat unexpectedly intensified, however, it's not expected to hit the U.S. Here's a look at Rafael's latest track.
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Gulf Coast beachgoers beware this weekend
According to the NWS, areas with high rip current risks are dangerous for all levels of swimmers, and people should stay out of the water.
High waves from Rafael lashed Key West, Florida, earlier this week.
A moderate rip current threat has also been issued for the east coast of Florida and the area around South Padre Island in Texas.
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Watch: Waves from Hurricane Rafael begin lashing Key West
A video shows waves starting to crash on the Southernmost Point in the Continental U.S. marker in Key West, Florida, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024.
The FOX Forecast Center predicts wave heights of six to nine feet off the Louisiana coast Friday morning.