Red flags fly as Hurricane Erin fuels rip currents along North Carolina coast

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — In just over a day, Erin went from a tropical storm to a category five hurricane. 

Even though it’s expected to pass offshore, there’s an increased risk for hazardous marine conditions this week including a high risk for rip currents.  

In Wrightsville Beach Monday afternoon red flags were flying, and 50 rip current rescues were reported. 

Hurricane Erin is expected to pass well offshore of the North Carolina Coast but because of its size and strength dangerous rip currents are already impacting our beaches.  

“Nonstop rip currents popping up and down the beach, bad day to go out in the water,” Sam Proffitt director of Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue said. 

Proffitt says these conditions are especially dangerous. 

“The rips are massive and very strong so you should try to swim parallel, but a lot of these rips aren’t going to just pull you out, they’re going to circle around. I can’t tell you exactly what to do except don’t get in the ocean,” Proffitt shared. 

Despite the sunshine, he warns beachgoers not to underestimate the risk.  

“I realize it’s nice out and you’re welcome to come to the beach and enjoy your day. But do not go swimming in the ocean. I mean I cannot stress that enough. The rips are only going to get stronger as the day goes on,” Proffitt stated. 

With Hurricane Erin causing high surf, the conditions are ideal for dangerous rip currents. 

“Increased swell size, it’s a long interval swell. So, it’s really in a lot of a ways a perfect storm to generate very very strong rip currents,” Proffitt said. 

William Gray has a house at Wrightsville Beach and says many visitors don’t realize how hard rip currents are to spot.  

“You can’t really see it when you’re just on the beach. Keep an eye on the lifeguards, keep an eye on the flags. Like today is a red flag day. And if you are not a strong swimmer, don’t go in too far,” Gray shared. 

His wife, Janine Gray adds that it’s fine to have fun but do so with respect for the ocean. 

“Don’t risk it. Have fun but be smart. Watch those waves, watch your neighbor, watch your kids. A healthy balance between enjoying this beautiful day and making sure you respect mother nature,” Janine Gray said. 

The Town of Wrightsville Beach issued a temporary no swimming advisory through Friday due to an increase in swell activity and the presence of strong rip currents.