Thunderstorms, Rip Currents A Threat To New Jersey Weather

After a storm-free Saturday thunderstorms have returned to New Jersey along with a high risk of rip currents at the beach as strong storm moves from south-to-north across the state.

A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for Camden, Burlington & Gloucester counties as they get the heaviest worst of the storms so far as a cell with winds of 60 mph and indication of some cloud rotation is moving northeast towards Ocean & Monmouth counties.

Evesham and Medford had received 3 inches of rain by mid-afternoon from the storm.

A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for Mercer, Camden, Gloucester, Burlington and Salem counties in anticipation of storms that could bring rain falling at a rate of 2 inches an hour through Monday night flooding roads, small rivers and streams and areas of poor drainage. The Watch was expanded on Sunday afternoon to include Mercer, Hunterdon, Sussex, Morris, Middlesex, Warren and Somerset counties.

The storms, could also have frequent lightning strikes, are expected to be a threat through at least Thursday, the Fourth of July, as humid, moist air continues to flow towards New Jersey.

There is also a high risk of rip currents today creating a rough surf and life threatening danger for swimmers who caught in the water that draws back quickly from the beach.

Rip currents occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as.jetties and piers. Swimmers today are advised to heed the advice of lifeguards and the beach patrol. pay attention to flags and posted signs.

If caught in a rip current, remember the following:

• Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.

• Never fight against the current.

• Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle-away from the current-toward shore.

• If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim toward shore.

• If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.

• Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.

Rip Current Awareness Week arrives alongside hurricane season, and it is important to remember that storms increase the risk of dangerous surf conditions. Even storms that don't reach shore can cause strong rip currents along the beach posing dangers for swimmers.

If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 911. If possible, throw the victim something that floats, such as a life-jacket, cooler or inflatable ball and give instructions on how to escape the current.

Officials say those trying to help need to remember that many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.