Alert archive / Florida / Rip Current Statements in 2023

Rip Current Statement 3, NWS Mobile, AL

January 16, 2023Escambia County, Okaloosa County, Santa Rosa County, Florida; Baldwin County, Mobile County, Alabama

NWS Mobile, AL issued this rip current statement at Jan 16, 2023, 4:22 AM CST for Escambia County, Okaloosa County, Santa Rosa County, Florida; Baldwin County, Mobile County, Alabama. It took effect at Jan 16, 2023, 6:00 PM CST. It was in force for 4 days.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Jan 16, 2023, 4:22 AM CST (10:22 UTC)
In effect from
Jan 16, 2023, 6:00 PM CST
Expired
Jan 20, 2023, 10:18 AM 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 10:23 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, 10.4 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 00:00Z on 2023-01-16Temperature 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 2023-01-16The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 75 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
1050 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
33 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
75 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
113 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

566 
WHUS44 KMOB 161022
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
422 AM CST Mon Jan 16 2023

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-161800-
/O.NEW.KMOB.RP.S.0003.230117T0000Z-230121T1200Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
422 AM CST Mon Jan 16 2023

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH LATE
FRIDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.

* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal 
  Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and 
  Okaloosa Coastal Counties.

* WHEN...From this evening through late Friday night.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Surf will build to 3 to 4 feet late this
  evening through Tuesday, and then decrease slightly Tuesday
  night into Wednesday morning. Increasing southerly winds
  Wednesday and Thursday ahead of an approaching cold front will
  result in surf heights building to 5 to 6 feet and a High Surf 
  Advisory may be required. Surf should begin to subside Thursday 
  evening through Friday behind the passing cold front.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If 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.

&&

$$
13 follow-up statements
772 
WHUS44 KMOB 162011
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
211 PM CST Mon Jan 16 2023

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-170415-
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0003.230117T0000Z-230121T1200Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
211 PM CST Mon Jan 16 2023

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM CST THIS
EVENING THROUGH LATE FRIDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.

* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal 
  Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and 
  Okaloosa Coastal Counties.

* WHEN...From 6 PM CST this evening through late Friday night.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Surf will build to 3 to 4 feet late this
  evening through Tuesday, and then decrease slightly Tuesday
  night into Wednesday morning. Increasing southerly winds
  Wednesday and Thursday ahead of an approaching cold front will
  result in surf heights building to 5 to 6 feet and a High Surf 
  Advisory may be required. Surf should begin to subside Thursday 
  evening through Friday behind the passing cold front.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If 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.

&&

$$
839 
WHUS44 KMOB 170241
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
841 PM CST Mon Jan 16 2023

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-171200-
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0003.000000T0000Z-230121T1200Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
841 PM CST Mon Jan 16 2023

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

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal 
  Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and 
  Okaloosa Coastal Counties.

* WHEN...Through late Friday night.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Surf will build to 3 to 4 feet through
  Tuesday, and then decrease slightly Tuesday night into Wednesday
  morning. Increasing southerly winds Wednesday and Thursday ahead
  of an approaching cold front will result in surf heights
  building to 5 to 6 feet and a High Surf Advisory may be
  required. Surf should begin to subside Thursday evening through
  Friday behind the passing cold front.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If 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.

&&

$$
511 
WHUS44 KMOB 171102
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
502 AM CST Tue Jan 17 2023

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-172000-
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0003.000000T0000Z-230121T1200Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
502 AM CST Tue Jan 17 2023

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

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal 
  Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and 
  Okaloosa Coastal Counties.

* WHEN...Through late Friday night.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Surf will build to 3 to 4 feet today, and 
  then decrease slightly Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. 
  Increasing southerly winds Wednesday and Thursday ahead of an 
  approaching cold front will result in surf heights building to 5
  to 6 feet and a High Surf Advisory may be required. Surf should
  begin to subside Thursday evening through Friday behind the 
  passing cold front.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If 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.

&&

$$
902 
WHUS44 KMOB 172132
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
332 PM CST Tue Jan 17 2023

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-180545-
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0003.000000T0000Z-230121T1200Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
332 PM CST Tue Jan 17 2023

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

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal 
  Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and 
  Okaloosa Coastal Counties.

* WHEN...Through late Friday night.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Surf will build to 3 to 4 feet today, and
  then decrease slightly Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
  Increasing southerly winds Wednesday and Thursday ahead of an
  approaching cold front will result in surf heights building to 5
  to 6 feet and a High Surf Advisory may be required, especially
  by late Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Surf should 
  begin to subside Thursday evening through Friday behind the 
  passing cold front.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If 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.

&&

$$
341 
WHUS44 KMOB 180154
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
754 PM CST Tue Jan 17 2023

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-181000-
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0003.000000T0000Z-230121T1200Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
754 PM CST Tue Jan 17 2023

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

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal 
  Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and 
  Okaloosa Coastal Counties.

* WHEN...Through late Friday night.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Increasing southerly winds Wednesday and
  Thursday ahead of an approaching cold front will result in surf
  heights building to 5 to 6 feet and a High Surf Advisory may be
  required, especially by late Wednesday night into Thursday
  morning. Surf should begin to subside Thursday evening through
  Friday behind the passing cold front.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If 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.

&&

$$
823 
WHUS44 KMOB 181004
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
404 AM CST Wed Jan 18 2023

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-181900-
/O.EXT.KMOB.RP.S.0003.000000T0000Z-230123T1200Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
404 AM CST Wed Jan 18 2023

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE SUNDAY
NIGHT...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal 
  Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and 
  Okaloosa Coastal Counties.

* WHEN...Through late Sunday night.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Increasing southerly winds ahead of an
  approaching cold front will result in surf heights building to 5
  to 6 feet and a High Surf Advisory may be required, especially
  by late tonight into Thursday morning. Surf should begin to 
  subside Thursday evening through Friday behind the passing cold 
  front.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If 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.

&&

$$
850 
WHUS44 KMOB 182052
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
252 PM CST Wed Jan 18 2023

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-190500-
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0003.000000T0000Z-230123T1200Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
252 PM CST Wed Jan 18 2023

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE SUNDAY
NIGHT...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal 
  Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and 
  Okaloosa Coastal Counties.

* WHEN...Through late Sunday night.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Increasing southerly winds ahead of an
  approaching cold front will also result in building surf up to
  around 3 to 4 feet along area beaches late tonight into
  Thursday. Surf should begin to subside Thursday evening through
  Friday behind the passing cold front.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If 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.

&&

$$
073 
WHUS44 KMOB 182340
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
540 PM CST Wed Jan 18 2023

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-190745-
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0003.000000T0000Z-230123T1200Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
540 PM CST Wed Jan 18 2023

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE SUNDAY
NIGHT...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal 
  Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and 
  Okaloosa Coastal Counties.

* WHEN...Through late Sunday night.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Increasing southerly winds ahead of an
  approaching cold front will also result in building surf up to
  around 3 to 4 feet along area beaches late tonight into
  Thursday. Surf should begin to subside Thursday evening through
  Friday behind the passing cold front.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If 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.

&&

$$
706 
WHUS44 KMOB 190829
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
229 AM CST Thu Jan 19 2023

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-191700-
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0003.000000T0000Z-230123T1200Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
229 AM CST Thu Jan 19 2023

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE SUNDAY
NIGHT...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal 
  Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and 
  Okaloosa Coastal Counties.

* WHEN...Through late Sunday night.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If 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.

&&

$$
527 
WHUS44 KMOB 191656
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
1056 AM CST Thu Jan 19 2023

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-200100-
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0003.000000T0000Z-230123T1200Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
1056 AM CST Thu Jan 19 2023

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE SUNDAY
NIGHT...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal 
  Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and 
  Okaloosa Coastal Counties.

* WHEN...Through late Sunday night.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If 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.

&&

$$
948 
WHUS44 KMOB 200154
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
754 PM CST Thu Jan 19 2023

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-201030-
/O.CON.KMOB.RP.S.0003.000000T0000Z-230123T1200Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
754 PM CST Thu Jan 19 2023

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE SUNDAY
NIGHT...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal 
  Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and 
  Okaloosa Coastal Counties.

* WHEN...Through late Sunday night.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If 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.

&&

$$
055 
WHUS44 KMOB 201026
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
426 AM CST Fri Jan 20 2023

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-201830-
/O.EXT.KMOB.RP.S.0003.000000T0000Z-230126T0000Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
426 AM CST Fri Jan 20 2023

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

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal 
  Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and 
  Okaloosa Coastal Counties.

* WHEN...Through Wednesday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If 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.

&&

$$
055 
WHUS44 KMOB 201618
CFWMOB

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Mobile AL
1018 AM CST Fri Jan 20 2023

ALZ265-266-FLZ202-204-206-210100-
/O.CAN.KMOB.RP.S.0003.000000T0000Z-230126T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KMOB.RP.S.0004.230122T0600Z-230124T1600Z/
Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal-Escambia Coastal-
Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal-
1018 AM CST Fri Jan 20 2023

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT
THROUGH TUESDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.

* WHERE...In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal 
  Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and 
  Okaloosa Coastal Counties.

* WHEN...From late Saturday night through Tuesday morning.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The rip current risk is now Moderate
  through Saturday. Increasing swell ahead of a series of
  approaching systems will bring the rip current risk back to HIGH
  Saturday night through at least Tuesday. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Swim near a lifeguard. If 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.

&&

$$

Nearby

Rip Current Statements in Florida, 2023Rip Current Statements in Alabama, 2023Every rip current statement in 2023

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.