Alert archive / Virginia / Rip Current Statements in 2018

Rip Current Statement 14, NWS Wakefield, VA

September 29, 2018Accomack County, Northampton County, City of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Currituck County, North Carolina; Worcester County, Maryland

NWS Wakefield, VA issued this rip current statement at Sep 29, 2018, 4:14 AM EDT for Accomack County, Northampton County, City of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Currituck County, North Carolina; Worcester County, Maryland. It was in force for 64 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Sep 29, 2018, 4:14 AM EDT (08:14 UTC)
Expired
Oct 1, 2018, 8:00 PM EDT
In force
64 hr
Issued by
NWS Wakefield, VA

Counties Worcester County, MD, Currituck County, NC, Accomack County, VA, City of Virginia Beach, VA, Northampton County, VA

The radar

The Norfolk radar (KAKQ), 113 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 08:16 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Wallops Is Stn, VA (KWAL), launched 00:00Z, 8.2 hours before the alert went out and 80 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Wallops Is Stn, VA at 00:00Z on 2018-09-29Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Wallops Is Stn, VA at 00:00Z on 2018-09-29The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -21 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1017 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
24 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-21 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
14 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

948 
WHUS41 KAKQ 290814
CFWAKQ

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
414 AM EDT Sat Sep 29 2018

MDZ025-NCZ102-VAZ098>100-291615-
/O.NEW.KAKQ.BH.S.0014.180929T0814Z-180930T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KAKQ.RP.S.0014.180929T0814Z-180930T0000Z/
Maryland Beaches-Eastern Currituck-Virginia Beach-Accomack-
Northampton-
414 AM EDT Sat Sep 29 2018

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...

The National Weather Service in Wakefield has issued a Beach
Hazards Statement, which is in effect through this evening. A
High Rip Current Risk has also been issued. This High Rip Current
Risk is in effect through this evening.

* LOCATION...The beaches of Maryland, Virginia, and Outer Banks
  Currituck in North Carolina.

* TIMING...Today, especially leading up to low tide mid to late
  afternoon.

* SURF OR RIP CURRENT RISK...Shore normal long period swell and
  breaking waves of 3 to 4 ft will result in hazardous surf 
  conditions and a high risk of rip currents.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Beach Hazards Statement is issued when threats such as rip
currents...longshore currents...sneaker waves and other hazards
create life-threatening conditions in the surf zone. Caution
should be used when in or near the water.

There is a high risk of rip currents.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away
from shore...which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the
sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as jetties and
piers. Heed the advice of lifeguards...beach patrol flags and
signs.

If you become caught in a rip current...relax and float. Don't
swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following
the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or
wave for help. 

&&

$$
6 follow-up statements
619 
WHUS41 KAKQ 291455
CFWAKQ

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
1055 AM EDT Sat Sep 29 2018


MDZ021-292300-
/O.NEW.KAKQ.CF.S.0037.180929T1900Z-180930T0000Z/
Dorchester-
1055 AM EDT Sat Sep 29 2018

...WATER LEVELS NEAR MINOR FLOOD THRESHOLDS LATE THIS AFTERNOON
   THROUGH EARLY THIS EVENING...

* LOCATION...Areas along the Chesapeake Bay and tidal rivers of 
  Dorchester County Maryland, primarily over southern portions
  of the county.

* TIMING...With the high tide cycle late this afternoon into 
  early this evening.

* COASTAL FLOOD IMPACTS...Shallow flooding is expected possible in 
  the most vulnerable locations near the waterfront and shoreline.



&&

Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.

CAMBRIDGE MD
MLLW CATEGORIES - MINOR 3.5 FT, MODERATE 4.0 FT, MAJOR 4.5 FT
MHHW CATEGORIES - MINOR 1.5 FT, MODERATE 2.0 FT, MAJOR 2.5 FT

             TOTAL      TOTAL    DEPARTURE                   
 DAY/TIME    TIDE       TIDE     FROM NORM   WAVES    FLOOD  
            FT MLLW    FT MHHW       FT        FT     IMPACT 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 29/08 PM     3.2        1.2        0.9        1       NONE    
 30/08 AM     2.8        0.8        0.9        1       NONE    
 30/09 PM     3.2        1.2        0.9        1       NONE    
 01/09 AM     2.7        0.7        0.8        1       NONE    
 01/10 PM     3.0        1.0        0.8        1       NONE

BISHOPS HEAD MD
MLLW CATEGORIES - MINOR 3.3 FT, MODERATE 3.8 FT, MAJOR 4.3 FT
MHHW CATEGORIES - MINOR 1.2 FT, MODERATE 1.7 FT, MAJOR 2.2 FT

             TOTAL      TOTAL    DEPARTURE                   
 DAY/TIME    TIDE       TIDE     FROM NORM   WAVES    FLOOD  
            FT MLLW    FT MHHW       FT        FT     IMPACT 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 29/05 PM     3.3        1.2        1.0        1      MINOR    
 30/05 AM     3.1        1.0        1.0        1       NONE    
 30/06 PM     3.3        1.2        1.0        1      MINOR    
 01/06 AM     3.0        0.9        1.0        1       NONE    
 01/07 PM     3.3        1.2        1.0        1      MINOR    
 02/07 AM     3.0        0.9        1.0        1       NONE

&&

$$

MDZ025-NCZ102-VAZ098>100-292300-
/O.CON.KAKQ.BH.S.0014.000000T0000Z-180930T0000Z/
/O.CON.KAKQ.RP.S.0014.000000T0000Z-180930T0000Z/
Maryland Beaches-Eastern Currituck-Virginia Beach-Accomack-
Northampton-
1055 AM EDT Sat Sep 29 2018

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...

* LOCATION...The beaches of Maryland, Virginia, and Outer Banks 
  Currituck in North Carolina.

* TIMING...Today, especially leading up to low tide mid to late 
  afternoon.

* SURF OR RIP CURRENT RISK...Shore normal long period swell and 
  breaking waves of 3 to 4 ft will result in hazardous surf 
  conditions and a high risk of rip currents.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Beach Hazards Statement is issued when threats such as rip
currents...longshore currents...sneaker waves and other hazards
create life-threatening conditions in the surf zone. Caution
should be used when in or near the water.

There is a high risk of rip currents.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away
from shore...which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the
sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as jetties and
piers. Heed the advice of lifeguards...beach patrol flags and
signs.

If you become caught in a rip current...relax and float. Don't
swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following
the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or
wave for help.

&&

$$
614 
WHUS41 KAKQ 291956
CFWAKQ

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
356 PM EDT Sat Sep 29 2018


MDZ025-NCZ102-VAZ098>100-300400-
/O.EXT.KAKQ.BH.S.0014.000000T0000Z-181001T0000Z/
/O.EXT.KAKQ.RP.S.0014.000000T0000Z-181001T0000Z/
Maryland Beaches-Eastern Currituck-Virginia Beach-Accomack-
Northampton-
356 PM EDT Sat Sep 29 2018

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING...

* LOCATION...The beaches of Maryland, Virginia, and Outer Banks 
  Currituck in North Carolina.

* TIMING...Today, especially leading up to low tide mid to late 
  afternoon.

* SURF OR RIP CURRENT RISK...Shore normal long period swell and 
  breaking waves of 3 to 4 ft will result in hazardous surf 
  conditions and a high risk of rip currents.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Beach Hazards Statement is issued when threats such as rip
currents...longshore currents...sneaker waves and other hazards
create life-threatening conditions in the surf zone. Caution
should be used when in or near the water.

There is a high risk of rip currents.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away
from shore...which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the
sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as jetties and
piers. Heed the advice of lifeguards...beach patrol flags and
signs.

If you become caught in a rip current...relax and float. Don't
swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following
the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or
wave for help.

&&

$$

MDZ021-300000-
/O.CON.KAKQ.CF.S.0037.000000T0000Z-180930T0000Z/
Dorchester-
356 PM EDT Sat Sep 29 2018

...Near Minor Tidal Flooding This Evening At Bishops Morning...

* LOCATION...Areas along the Chesapeake Bay and tidal rivers of 
  Dorchester County Maryland, primarily over southern portions 
  of the county.

* TIMING...With the high tide cycle late this afternoon into 
  early this evening.

* COASTAL FLOOD IMPACTS...Shallow flooding is expected possible 
  in the most vulnerable locations near the waterfront and 
  shoreline.

&&

Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.

CAMBRIDGE MD
MLLW CATEGORIES - MINOR 3.5 FT, MODERATE 4.0 FT, MAJOR 4.5 FT
MHHW CATEGORIES - MINOR 1.5 FT, MODERATE 2.0 FT, MAJOR 2.5 FT

             TOTAL      TOTAL    DEPARTURE                   
 DAY/TIME    TIDE       TIDE     FROM NORM   WAVES    FLOOD  
            FT MLLW    FT MHHW       FT        FT     IMPACT 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 29/08 PM     3.2        1.2        0.9        1       NONE    
 30/08 AM     2.8        0.8        0.9        1       NONE    
 30/09 PM     3.2        1.2        0.9        1       NONE    
 01/09 AM     2.7        0.7        0.8        1       NONE    
 01/10 PM     3.0        1.0        0.8        1       NONE

BISHOPS HEAD MD
MLLW CATEGORIES - MINOR 3.3 FT, MODERATE 3.8 FT, MAJOR 4.3 FT
MHHW CATEGORIES - MINOR 1.2 FT, MODERATE 1.7 FT, MAJOR 2.2 FT

             TOTAL      TOTAL    DEPARTURE                   
 DAY/TIME    TIDE       TIDE     FROM NORM   WAVES    FLOOD  
            FT MLLW    FT MHHW       FT        FT     IMPACT 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 29/05 PM     3.3        1.2        1.0        1      MINOR    
 30/05 AM     3.1        1.0        1.0        1       NONE    
 30/06 PM     3.3        1.2        1.0        1      MINOR    
 01/06 AM     3.0        0.9        1.0        1       NONE    
 01/07 PM     3.3        1.2        1.0        1      MINOR    
 02/07 AM     3.0        0.9        1.0        1       NONE

&&

$$
951 
WHUS41 KAKQ 292001
CFWAKQ

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
401 PM EDT Sat Sep 29 2018


MDZ021-300000-
/O.CON.KAKQ.CF.S.0037.000000T0000Z-180930T0000Z/
Dorchester-
401 PM EDT Sat Sep 29 2018

...Near Minor Tidal Flooding At Bishops Head This Evening...

* LOCATION...Areas along the Chesapeake Bay and tidal rivers of 
  Dorchester County Maryland, primarily over southern portions 
  of the county.

* TIMING...With the high tide cycle late this afternoon into 
  early this evening.

* COASTAL FLOOD IMPACTS...Shallow flooding is expected possible 
  in the most vulnerable locations near the waterfront and 
  shoreline.

&&

Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.

CAMBRIDGE MD
MLLW CATEGORIES - MINOR 3.5 FT, MODERATE 4.0 FT, MAJOR 4.5 FT
MHHW CATEGORIES - MINOR 1.5 FT, MODERATE 2.0 FT, MAJOR 2.5 FT

             TOTAL      TOTAL    DEPARTURE                   
 DAY/TIME    TIDE       TIDE     FROM NORM   WAVES    FLOOD  
            FT MLLW    FT MHHW       FT        FT     IMPACT 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 29/08 PM     3.2        1.2        0.9        1       NONE    
 30/08 AM     2.8        0.8        0.9        1       NONE    
 30/09 PM     3.2        1.2        0.9        1       NONE    
 01/09 AM     2.7        0.7        0.8        1       NONE    
 01/10 PM     3.0        1.0        0.8        1       NONE

BISHOPS HEAD MD
MLLW CATEGORIES - MINOR 3.3 FT, MODERATE 3.8 FT, MAJOR 4.3 FT
MHHW CATEGORIES - MINOR 1.2 FT, MODERATE 1.7 FT, MAJOR 2.2 FT

             TOTAL      TOTAL    DEPARTURE                   
 DAY/TIME    TIDE       TIDE     FROM NORM   WAVES    FLOOD  
            FT MLLW    FT MHHW       FT        FT     IMPACT 
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 29/05 PM     3.3        1.2        1.0        1      MINOR    
 30/05 AM     3.1        1.0        1.0        1       NONE    
 30/06 PM     3.3        1.2        1.0        1      MINOR    
 01/06 AM     3.0        0.9        1.0        1       NONE    
 01/07 PM     3.3        1.2        1.0        1      MINOR    
 02/07 AM     3.0        0.9        1.0        1       NONE

&&

$$

MDZ025-NCZ102-VAZ098>100-300415-
/O.CON.KAKQ.BH.S.0014.000000T0000Z-181001T0000Z/
/O.CON.KAKQ.RP.S.0014.000000T0000Z-181001T0000Z/
Maryland Beaches-Eastern Currituck-Virginia Beach-Accomack-
Northampton-
401 PM EDT Sat Sep 29 2018

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY
EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY
EVENING...

* LOCATION...The beaches of Maryland, Virginia, and Outer Banks 
  Currituck in North Carolina.

* TIMING...Today, especially leading up to low tide mid to late 
  afternoon.

* SURF OR RIP CURRENT RISK...Shore normal long period swell and 
  breaking waves of 3 to 4 ft will result in hazardous surf 
  conditions and a high risk of rip currents.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Beach Hazards Statement is issued when threats such as rip
currents...longshore currents...sneaker waves and other hazards
create life-threatening conditions in the surf zone. Caution
should be used when in or near the water.

There is a high risk of rip currents.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away
from shore...which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the
sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as jetties and
piers. Heed the advice of lifeguards...beach patrol flags and
signs.

If you become caught in a rip current...relax and float. Don't
swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following
the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or
wave for help.

&&

$$
791 
WHUS41 KAKQ 300804
CFWAKQ

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
404 AM EDT Sun Sep 30 2018

MDZ025-NCZ102-VAZ098>100-010000-
/O.CON.KAKQ.BH.S.0014.000000T0000Z-181001T0000Z/
/O.CON.KAKQ.RP.S.0014.000000T0000Z-181001T0000Z/
Maryland Beaches-Eastern Currituck-Virginia Beach-Accomack-
Northampton-
404 AM EDT Sun Sep 30 2018

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS
EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...

* LOCATION...The beaches of Maryland, Virginia, and Outer Banks 
  Currituck in North Carolina.

* TIMING...Today, especially leading up to low tide late this
  afternoon.

* SURF OR RIP CURRENT RISK...Shore normal long period swell and 
  breaking waves of 3 to 4 ft will result in hazardous surf 
  conditions and a high risk of rip currents.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Beach Hazards Statement is issued when threats such as rip
currents...longshore currents...sneaker waves and other hazards
create life-threatening conditions in the surf zone. Caution
should be used when in or near the water.

There is a high risk of rip currents.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away
from shore...which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the
sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as jetties and
piers. Heed the advice of lifeguards...beach patrol flags and
signs.

If you become caught in a rip current...relax and float. Don't
swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following
the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or
wave for help.

&&

$$
941 
WHUS41 KAKQ 301830
CFWAKQ

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
230 PM EDT Sun Sep 30 2018


MDZ025-VAZ099-100-301930-
/O.CAN.KAKQ.BH.S.0014.000000T0000Z-181001T0000Z/
/O.CAN.KAKQ.RP.S.0014.000000T0000Z-181001T0000Z/
Maryland Beaches-Accomack-Northampton-
230 PM EDT Sun Sep 30 2018

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IS CANCELLED...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IS CANCELLED...

The National Weather Service in Wakefield has cancelled the Beach
Hazards Statement. The High Rip Current Risk has been cancelled.

A Moderate Threat of rip currents for the remainder of today and 
again Monday.

$$

NCZ102-VAZ098-010230-
/O.EXT.KAKQ.BH.S.0014.000000T0000Z-181002T0000Z/
/O.EXT.KAKQ.RP.S.0014.000000T0000Z-181002T0000Z/
Eastern Currituck-Virginia Beach-
230 PM EDT Sun Sep 30 2018

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY EVENING...

* LOCATION...The beaches of Maryland, Virginia, and Outer Banks 
  Currituck in North Carolina.

* TIMING...Today, especially leading up to low tide late this 
  afternoon.

* SURF OR RIP CURRENT RISK...Shore normal long period swell and 
  breaking waves of 3 to 4 ft will result in hazardous surf 
  conditions and a high risk of rip currents.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Beach Hazards Statement is issued when threats such as rip
currents...longshore currents...sneaker waves and other hazards
create life-threatening conditions in the surf zone. Caution
should be used when in or near the water.

There is a high risk of rip currents.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away
from shore...which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the
sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as jetties and
piers. Heed the advice of lifeguards...beach patrol flags and
signs.

If you become caught in a rip current...relax and float. Don't
swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following
the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or
wave for help.

&&

$$
349 
WHUS41 KAKQ 010754
CFWAKQ

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
354 AM EDT Mon Oct 1 2018

NCZ102-VAZ098-020000-
/O.CON.KAKQ.BH.S.0014.000000T0000Z-181002T0000Z/
/O.CON.KAKQ.RP.S.0014.000000T0000Z-181002T0000Z/
Eastern Currituck-Virginia Beach-
354 AM EDT Mon Oct 1 2018

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS
EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...

* LOCATION...The beaches of Maryland, Virginia, and Outer Banks 
  Currituck in North Carolina.

* TIMING...Today, especially leading up to low tide late this 
  afternoon.

* SURF OR RIP CURRENT RISK...Shore normal long period swell and 
  breaking waves of 3 to 4 ft will result in hazardous surf 
  conditions and a high risk of rip currents.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Beach Hazards Statement is issued when threats such as rip
currents...longshore currents...sneaker waves and other hazards
create life-threatening conditions in the surf zone. Caution
should be used when in or near the water.

There is a high risk of rip currents.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away
from shore...which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the
sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as jetties and
piers. Heed the advice of lifeguards...beach patrol flags and
signs.

If you become caught in a rip current...relax and float. Don't
swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following
the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or
wave for help.

&&

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Wakefield, VA issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Sep 29, 4:04 AM EDTRiver Flood WarningAKQBuckingham, Fluvanna28 hr
Sep 29, 4:04 AM EDTRiver Flood WarningAKQChesterfield, Henrico, City of Richmond44 hr
Sep 29, 4:14 AM EDTBeach Hazards StatementAKQAccomack, Northampton, City of Virginia Beach64 hr
Sep 29, 10:50 AM EDTRiver Flood WarningAKQHenrico, City of Richmond37 hr
Sep 29, 10:55 AM EDTCoastal Flood StatementAKQDorchester9 hr

Nearby

Rip Current Statements in Virginia, 2018Rip Current Statements in North Carolina, 2018Rip Current Statements in Maryland, 2018Every rip current statement in 2018

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.