Alert archive / Florida / Rip Current Statements in 2018

Rip Current Statement 32, NWS Mobile, AL

December 12, 2018Baldwin County, Mobile County, Alabama; Escambia County, Okaloosa County, Santa Rosa County, Florida

NWS Mobile, AL issued this rip current statement at Dec 12, 2018, 5:50 AM CST for Baldwin County, Mobile County, Alabama; Escambia County, Okaloosa County, Santa Rosa County, Florida. It took effect at Dec 13, 2018, 6:00 AM CST. It was in force for 51 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Dec 12, 2018, 5:50 AM CST (11:50 UTC)
In effect from
Dec 13, 2018, 6:00 AM CST
Expired
Dec 15, 2018, 9:00 AM CST
In force
51 hr
Issued by
NWS Mobile, AL

Counties Baldwin County, AL, Mobile County, AL, Escambia County, FL, Okaloosa County, FL, Santa Rosa County, FL

The radar

The Mobile radar (KMOB), 82 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 11:55 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

Slidell Radar S, LA (KSIL), launched 00:00Z, 11.8 hours before the alert went out and 227 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, Slidell Radar S, LA at 00:00Z on 2018-12-12Temperature 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, Slidell Radar S, LA at 00:00Z on 2018-12-12The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 24 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 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
2273 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
37 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
24 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
90 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

249 
WHUS44 KMOB 121150
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
550 AM CST Wed Dec 12 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-122000-
/O.NEW.KMOB.RP.S.0032.181213T1200Z-181215T0900Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
550 AM CST Wed Dec 12 2018

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH
LATE FRIDAY NIGHT...

The National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a High Rip
Current Risk, which is in effect from Thursday morning through
late Friday night. 

* WHERE...Gulf beaches of Alabama and Northwest Florida. 

* IMPACTS...The surf is dangerous for all levels of swimmers. 
  Frequent life-threatening rip currents are expected. Some 
  minor beach erosion is possible. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

There is a high risk of rip currents.  Rip currents are life-
threatening to anyone entering the surf.  Swim near a lifeguard. 
If caught in a rip current remain calm.  Don't fight the current.
Swim in a direction following the shoreline.  If unable to
escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.  If tired,
float or tread water until out of the rip current.

&&

$$
9 follow-up statements
718 
WHUS44 KMOB 122123
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
323 PM CST Wed Dec 12 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-130530-
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0032.181213T1200Z-181215T0900Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
323 PM CST Wed Dec 12 2018

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING
THROUGH LATE FRIDAY NIGHT...

* WHERE...Gulf beaches of Alabama and Northwest Florida.

* IMPACTS...The surf is dangerous for all levels of swimmers. 
  Frequent life-threatening rip currents are expected. Some 
  minor beach erosion is possible. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

There is a high risk of rip currents.  Rip currents are life-
threatening to anyone entering the surf.  Swim near a lifeguard.
If caught in a rip current remain calm.  Don't fight the current.
Swim in a direction following the shoreline.  If unable to
escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.  If tired,
float or tread water until out of the rip current.

&&

$$
102 
WHUS44 KMOB 130558
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
1158 PM CST Wed Dec 12 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-131400-
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0032.181213T1200Z-181215T0900Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
1158 PM CST Wed Dec 12 2018

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM CST THURSDAY
THROUGH LATE FRIDAY NIGHT...

* WHERE...Gulf beaches of Alabama and Northwest Florida.

* IMPACTS...The surf is dangerous for all levels of swimmers. 
  Frequent life-threatening rip currents are expected. Some 
  minor beach erosion is possible. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

There is a high risk of rip currents.  Rip currents are life-
threatening to anyone entering the surf.  Swim near a lifeguard.
If caught in a rip current remain calm.  Don't fight the current.
Swim in a direction following the shoreline.  If unable to
escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.  If tired,
float or tread water until out of the rip current.

&&

$$
312 
WHUS44 KMOB 131132
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
532 AM CST Thu Dec 13 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-132000-
/O.NEW.KMOB.SU.Y.0010.181214T0000Z-181215T0900Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0032.181213T1200Z-181215T0900Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
532 AM CST Thu Dec 13 2018

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE FRIDAY
NIGHT...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 3 AM
CST SATURDAY...

The National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a High Surf
Advisory, which is in effect from 6 PM this evening to 3 AM CST
Saturday. 

* WHERE...Gulf beaches of Alabama and Northwest Florida.

* SURF HEIGHTS...Ranging from 4 to 6 feet over the beaches of
  Alabama to 5 to 8 feet over the northwest Florida panhandle
  beaches tonight through the pre-dawn hours Saturday morning. 

* IMPACTS...The surf is dangerous for all levels of swimmers.
  Frequent life-threatening rip currents are expected. Some minor
  beach erosion is possible. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

There is a high risk of rip currents.  Rip currents are life-
threatening to anyone entering the surf.  Swim near a lifeguard.
If caught in a rip current remain calm.  Don't fight the current.
Swim in a direction following the shoreline.  If unable to
escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.  If tired,
float or tread water until out of the rip current.

A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in
the advisory area, producing localized beach erosion and
dangerous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
780 
WHUS44 KMOB 132000
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
200 PM CST Thu Dec 13 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-140400-
/O.CON.KMOB.SU.Y.0010.181214T0000Z-181215T0900Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0032.000000T0000Z-181215T0900Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
200 PM CST Thu Dec 13 2018

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE FRIDAY
NIGHT...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO
3 AM CST SATURDAY...

* WHERE...Gulf beaches of Alabama and Northwest Florida.

* SURF HEIGHTS...Ranging from 4 to 6 feet over the beaches of 
  Alabama to 5 to 8 feet over the northwest Florida panhandle 
  beaches tonight through the pre-dawn hours Saturday morning. 

* IMPACTS...The surf is dangerous for all levels of swimmers. 
  Frequent life-threatening rip currents are expected. Some 
  minor beach erosion is possible. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

There is a high risk of rip currents.  Rip currents are life-
threatening to anyone entering the surf.  Swim near a lifeguard.
If caught in a rip current remain calm.  Don't fight the current.
Swim in a direction following the shoreline.  If unable to
escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.  If tired,
float or tread water until out of the rip current.

A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in
the advisory area, producing localized beach erosion and
dangerous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
357 
WHUS44 KMOB 140345
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
945 PM CST Thu Dec 13 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-141145-
/O.CON.KMOB.SU.Y.0010.000000T0000Z-181215T0900Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0032.000000T0000Z-181215T0900Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
945 PM CST Thu Dec 13 2018

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM CST SATURDAY...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE FRIDAY
NIGHT...

* WHERE...Gulf beaches of Alabama and Northwest Florida.

* SURF HEIGHTS...Ranging from 4 to 6 feet over the beaches of 
  Alabama to 5 to 8 feet over the northwest Florida panhandle 
  beaches tonight through the pre-dawn hours Saturday morning. 

* IMPACTS...The surf is dangerous for all levels of swimmers. 
  Frequent life-threatening rip currents are expected. Some 
  minor beach erosion is possible. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

There is a high risk of rip currents.  Rip currents are life-
threatening to anyone entering the surf.  Swim near a lifeguard.
If caught in a rip current remain calm.  Don't fight the current.
Swim in a direction following the shoreline.  If unable to
escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.  If tired,
float or tread water until out of the rip current.

A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in
the advisory area, producing localized beach erosion and
dangerous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
528 
WHUS44 KMOB 141120 AAA
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message...UPDATED
National Weather Service Mobile AL
520 AM CST Fri Dec 14 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-142230-
/O.CON.KMOB.SU.Y.0010.000000T0000Z-181215T0900Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0032.000000T0000Z-181215T0900Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
520 AM CST Fri Dec 14 2018

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM CST SATURDAY...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT...

* WHERE...Gulf beaches of Alabama and Northwest Florida.

* SURF HEIGHTS...Ranging from 3 to 5 feet over the beaches of
  Alabama and 4 to 6 feet over the beaches of Northwest Florida. 

* IMPACTS...The surf is dangerous for all levels of swimmers. 
  Frequent life-threatening rip currents are expected. Some 
  minor beach erosion is possible. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

There is a high risk of rip currents.  Rip currents are life-
threatening to anyone entering the surf.  Swim near a lifeguard.
If caught in a rip current remain calm.  Don't fight the current.
Swim in a direction following the shoreline.  If unable to
escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.  If tired,
float or tread water until out of the rip current.

A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in
the advisory area, producing localized beach erosion and
dangerous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
449 
WHUS44 KMOB 142145
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
345 PM CST Fri Dec 14 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-150545-
/O.CON.KMOB.SU.Y.0010.000000T0000Z-181215T0900Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0032.000000T0000Z-181215T0900Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
345 PM CST Fri Dec 14 2018

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM CST SATURDAY...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK ALSO REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM CST
SATURDAY...

* WHERE...Gulf beaches of Alabama and Northwest Florida.

* SURF HEIGHTS...Ranging from 3 to 5 feet over the beaches of 
  Alabama and 4 to 6 feet over the beaches of Northwest Florida. 

* IMPACTS...The surf is dangerous for all levels of swimmers. 
  Frequent life-threatening rip currents are expected. Some 
  minor beach erosion is possible. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

There is a high risk of rip currents.  Rip currents are life-
threatening to anyone entering the surf.  Swim near a lifeguard.
If caught in a rip current remain calm.  Don't fight the current.
Swim in a direction following the shoreline.  If unable to
escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.  If tired,
float or tread water until out of the rip current.

A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in
the advisory area, producing localized beach erosion and
dangerous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
692 
WHUS44 KMOB 150528
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
1128 PM CST Fri Dec 14 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-151330-
/O.EXT.KMOB.SU.Y.0010.000000T0000Z-181215T1500Z/
/O.EXT.KMOB.RP.S.0032.000000T0000Z-181215T1500Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
1128 PM CST Fri Dec 14 2018

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CST SATURDAY...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CST SATURDAY...

* WHERE...Gulf beaches of Alabama and Northwest Florida.

* SURF HEIGHTS...Ranging from 3 to 5 feet over the beaches of 
  Alabama and 4 to 6 feet over the beaches of Northwest Florida. 

* IMPACTS...The surf is dangerous for all levels of swimmers. 
  Frequent life-threatening rip currents are expected. Some 
  minor beach erosion is possible. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

There is a high risk of rip currents.  Rip currents are life-
threatening to anyone entering the surf.  Swim near a lifeguard.
If caught in a rip current remain calm.  Don't fight the current.
Swim in a direction following the shoreline.  If unable to
escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.  If tired,
float or tread water until out of the rip current.

A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in
the advisory area, producing localized beach erosion and
dangerous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
881 
WHUS44 KMOB 151059 AAA
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message...UPDATED
National Weather Service Mobile AL
459 AM CST Sat Dec 15 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-151500-
/O.CON.KMOB.SU.Y.0010.000000T0000Z-181215T1500Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0032.000000T0000Z-181215T1500Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
459 AM CST Sat Dec 15 2018

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CST THIS
MORNING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CST THIS
MORNING...

* WHERE...Gulf beaches of Alabama and Northwest Florida.

* SURF HEIGHTS...Ranging from 3 to 5 feet. 

* IMPACTS...The surf is dangerous for all levels of swimmers. 
  Frequent life-threatening rip currents are expected. Some 
  minor beach erosion is possible. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

There is a high risk of rip currents.  Rip currents are life-
threatening to anyone entering the surf.  Swim near a lifeguard.
If caught in a rip current remain calm.  Don't fight the current.
Swim in a direction following the shoreline.  If unable to
escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.  If tired,
float or tread water until out of the rip current.

A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in
the advisory area, producing localized beach erosion and
dangerous swimming conditions.

&&

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Mobile, AL issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 12, 6:24 AM CSTMarine Dense Fog AdvisoryMOB3 hr
Dec 12, 3:33 PM CSTSmall Craft AdvisoryMOB70 hr

Nearby

Rip Current Statements in Florida, 2018Rip Current Statements in Alabama, 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.