Philadelphia

Double Threat: Scattered Storms Around the Region, Rip Currents on the Coast

Two First Alerts were in effect Monday for rip currents along the coast and storms throughout the Philadelphia region

What to Know

  • Two First Alerts were in effect Monday for rip currents along the coast and storms throughout the Philadelphia region.
  • The storms hit in the afternoon and evening.
  • The First Alerts were lifted around 9 p.m.

The region dealt with a double threat of strong rip currents and scattered strong storms on Labor Day.

The NBC10 First Alert Weather Team issued the two-part First Alert for Monday. The rip current risk was in effect along the Jersey Shore and Delaware beaches all day, while the storm threat was in effect for the entire region throughout the late afternoon and into the evening. The First Alert expired around 9 p.m.

Rip Current Risk at the Shore/Beach

The summer season’s end was marred by the threat of rip currents.

“Very strong rip currents will be dangerous to anyone who enters the surf,” the National Weather Service said in a statement.

As people enjoy the last moments of “summer” on this extended holiday wekend, lifeguards along the Jersey Shore and Delaware beaches are on high alert for rip currents.

Swimming was not allowed on some beaches due to the risk.

The National Weather Service gave advice for anyone caught in a rip current:

“If caught in a rip current, relax and float,” the weather service said. “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 Long Beach Township Police Department in Ocean County stopped allowing swimming late Sunday afternoon after numerous water rescues were made.

The rip currents weren't caused by Hurricane Dorian. (More on the hurricane later.)

Strong Storms to Hit

Monday was muggy with highs in the mid 80s. Some rain already hit Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania suburbs Monday morning, but the worst of it moved in during the afternoon.

Lines of storms began moving through Philadelphia the immediate suburbs, Lehigh Valley and South Jersey around 4 p.m.

Some neighborhoods had stormy conditions, while others had no rain at all.

Sunny conditions are expected with highs in the mid 80s Tuesday as muggy conditions stick around.

Hurricane Dorian Roars Over the Bahamas

Of course, this all comes as Hurricane Dorian continues to spin in the Caribbean, pounding the Bahamas with Category 5-strength winds at 165 mph. Officials reported that five people have died so far in the Bahamas as a result of the storm.

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