Alert archive / Florida / Rip Current Statements in 2018

Rip Current Statement 34, NWS Mobile, AL

December 25, 2018Escambia County, Okaloosa County, Santa Rosa County, Florida; Baldwin County, Mobile County, Alabama

NWS Mobile, AL issued this rip current statement at Dec 25, 2018, 2:23 PM CST for Escambia County, Okaloosa County, Santa Rosa County, Florida; Baldwin County, Mobile County, Alabama. It took effect at Dec 26, 2018, 6:00 AM CST. It was in force for 4 days.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Dec 25, 2018, 2:23 PM CST (20:23 UTC)
In effect from
Dec 26, 2018, 6:00 AM CST
Expired
Dec 29, 2018, 6:00 PM CST
In force
4 days
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 20:25 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 12:00Z, 8.4 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 12:00Z on 2018-12-25Temperature 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 12:00Z on 2018-12-25The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 153 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
839 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
40 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
153 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
128 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

215 
WHUS44 KMOB 252023
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
223 PM CST Tue Dec 25 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-260430-
/O.NEW.KMOB.SU.Y.0012.181227T1200Z-181229T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KMOB.RP.S.0034.181226T1200Z-181229T1000Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
223 PM CST Tue Dec 25 2018

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH
LATE FRIDAY NIGHT...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM THURSDAY TO 6 PM CST
FRIDAY...

The National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a High Surf
Advisory, which is in effect from 6 AM Thursday to 6 PM CST
Friday. A High Rip Current Risk has also been issued. This High
Rip Current Risk is in effect from Wednesday morning through late
Friday night. 

* WAVES AND SURF...Surf heights increasing to 4 to 6 feet.

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

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

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.

&&

$$
12 follow-up statements
143 
WHUS44 KMOB 260422
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
1022 PM CST Tue Dec 25 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-261300-
/O.CON.KMOB.SU.Y.0012.181227T1200Z-181229T0000Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0034.181226T1200Z-181229T1000Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
1022 PM CST Tue Dec 25 2018

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM CST
WEDNESDAY THROUGH LATE FRIDAY NIGHT...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM THURSDAY TO
6 PM CST FRIDAY...

* WAVES AND SURF...Surf heights increasing to 5 to 7 feet.

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

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

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.

&&

$$

JLH
525 
WHUS44 KMOB 261051
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
451 AM CST Wed Dec 26 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-261900-
/O.CON.KMOB.SU.Y.0012.181227T1200Z-181229T0000Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0034.181226T1200Z-181229T1000Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
451 AM CST Wed Dec 26 2018

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

* WAVES AND SURF...Surf heights increasing to 5 to 7 feet.

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

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

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.

&&

$$
347 
WHUS44 KMOB 261906 AAA
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message...UPDATED
National Weather Service Mobile AL
106 PM CST Wed Dec 26 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-270600-
/O.CON.KMOB.SU.Y.0012.181227T1200Z-181229T0000Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0034.000000T0000Z-181229T1000Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
106 PM CST Wed Dec 26 2018

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

* WAVES AND SURF...Surf heights increasing to 5 to 7 feet.

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

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

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.

&&

$$
252 
WHUS44 KMOB 270503
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
1103 PM CST Wed Dec 26 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-271400-
/O.CON.KMOB.SU.Y.0012.181227T1200Z-181229T0000Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0034.000000T0000Z-181229T1000Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
1103 PM CST Wed Dec 26 2018

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

* WAVES AND SURF...Surf heights increasing to 5 to 7 feet.

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

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

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.

&&

$$
710 
WHUS44 KMOB 270925
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
325 AM CST Thu Dec 27 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-271800-
/O.CON.KMOB.SU.Y.0012.181227T1200Z-181229T0000Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0034.000000T0000Z-181229T1000Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
325 AM CST Thu Dec 27 2018

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE FRIDAY
NIGHT...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST FRIDAY...

* WAVES AND SURF...Surf heights increasing to 5 to 7 feet.

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

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

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.

&&

$$
246 
WHUS44 KMOB 272005 AAA
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message...UPDATED
National Weather Service Mobile AL
205 PM CST Thu Dec 27 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-280600-
/O.CON.KMOB.SU.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-181229T0000Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0034.000000T0000Z-181229T1000Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
205 PM CST Thu Dec 27 2018

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST FRIDAY...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE FRIDAY
NIGHT...

* WAVES AND SURF...Surf heights increasing to 5 to 7 feet.

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

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

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.

&&

$$
518 
WHUS44 KMOB 280553
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
1153 PM CST Thu Dec 27 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-281500-
/O.CON.KMOB.SU.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-181229T0000Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0034.000000T0000Z-181229T1000Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
1153 PM CST Thu Dec 27 2018

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST FRIDAY...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE FRIDAY
NIGHT...

* WAVES AND SURF...Surf heights between 5 to 7 feet.

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

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

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.

&&

$$

JLH
132 
WHUS44 KMOB 281233
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
633 AM CST Fri Dec 28 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-282045-
/O.CON.KMOB.SU.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-181229T0000Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0034.000000T0000Z-181229T1000Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
633 AM CST Fri Dec 28 2018

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS
EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT...

* WAVES AND SURF...Surf heights between 5 to 7 feet.

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

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

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

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.

&&

$$
719 
WHUS44 KMOB 281813 AAA
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message...UPDATED
National Weather Service Mobile AL
1213 PM CST Fri Dec 28 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-290300-
/O.CAN.KMOB.SU.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-181229T0000Z/
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0034.000000T0000Z-181229T1000Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
1213 PM CST Fri Dec 28 2018

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

The National Weather Service in Mobile has cancelled the High
Surf Advisory. 

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

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.

&&

$$
571 
WHUS44 KMOB 290238
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
838 PM CST Fri Dec 28 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-291000-
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0034.000000T0000Z-181229T1000Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
838 PM CST Fri Dec 28 2018

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM CST
SATURDAY...

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

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

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.

&&

$$
828 
WHUS44 KMOB 290935
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
335 AM CST Sat Dec 29 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-291800-
/O.EXT.KMOB.RP.S.0034.000000T0000Z-181230T0000Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
335 AM CST Sat Dec 29 2018

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON...

* IMPACTS...The surf will be dangerous for all levels of 
  swimmers. Frequent life-threatening rip currents are expected. 

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

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.

&&

$$
966 
WHUS44 KMOB 291806
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
1206 PM CST Sat Dec 29 2018

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-300000-
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0034.000000T0000Z-181230T0000Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
1206 PM CST Sat Dec 29 2018

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS
EVENING...

* IMPACTS...The surf will be dangerous for all levels of 
  swimmers. Frequent life-threatening rip currents are expected. 

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

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.

&&

$$

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 25, 2:23 PM CSTHigh Surf AdvisoryMOBEscambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa70 hr
Dec 25, 2:48 PM CSTSmall Craft AdvisoryMOB48 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.