Rip Currents, Dangerous Waves Expected as Arthur Heads North

Brutal waves and dangerous rip currents are expected in Long Island waters as Hurricane Arthur churns its way north, according to the National Weather Service.

A high surf advisory was issued for all south-facing shorelines, including those on Long Island, from 6 a.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday. NWS said waves could reach heights of up to 10 feet throughout the advisory period.

A high alert of rip currents at all South Shore beaches was also issued for Thursday and all of Friday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These currents "will be life-threatening to anyone who enters the surf," said NOAA.

A severe thunderstorm warning is also in effect through 10 p.m. Thursday and could bring damaging winds with up to a half-inch of rain.

If you find yourself caught in a rip current, the United States Lifesaving Association says to follow a number of steps to escape:

• Yell for help immediately.
• Don’t swim against the rip current – it will just tire you out.
• Escape the rip current by swimming parallel to the beach until you are free.
• If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water.
• When out of the current, swim toward the shore at an angle away from the rip current.

With Christina Johnson