Tropical storm could upset weekend plans in Delaware

The National Weather Service is warning beachgoers along the Delaware coast and the rest of the Mid-Atlantic to beware of strong rip currents as Hurricane Gaston and Tropical Depression Eight  churn off the coast.

Then, a third storm, Tropical Storm Hermine which is over the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to move north in time for the long holiday weekend. Hermine is expected to bring the risk of more rip currents in our area.

The latest model shows Hermine hitting southern Delaware overnight Saturday into Sunday.

STORY:  Dewey lifeguards watch for rip currents

STORY: To survive a rip current, stay calm

Florida's Gulf coast was bracing Thursday for a hit from Tropical Storm Hermine, which forecasters said could make landfall as a hurricane.

A hurricane warning was in effect for Florida's Big Bend from the Suwannee River to Mexico Beach. And on the East Coast, a tropical storm warning was issued for an area that extended from Marineland, Florida, northward to the South Santee River in South Carolina.

Hermine's maximum sustained winds Thursday morning were near 65 mph. Some strengthening was forecast and the U.S. National Hurricane Center said Hermine was expected to be a hurricane when it makes landfall in Florida on Thursday night or early Friday.

As of 11 a.m. EDT Thursday, Hermine was centered about 220 miles (354 kilometers) west of Tampa, Florida, and was moving north-northeast near 14 mph (23 kph).

The ocean at Rehoboth Beach appeared calm Wednesday but large swells were enough to knock some waders off their feet. Small rip currents were already starting to form.

The timing of these weather systems is unfortunate because beach patrols along the Delaware coast are short-staffed as many lifeguards returned to college this week. In Rehoboth Beach, signs at some street ends warned visitors that sections of beach were unguarded. The most popular swimming areas were still patrolled by guards.

Weather Service forecasters warned Wednesday that there is a moderate to high risk of rip currents into Friday.

Rip currents are a serious safety issue and the United State Lifeguard Association warns that as many as 100 people die every year in swimming accidents when they are caught in rip currents and do not know how to escape.

Besides rip currents, beach erosion is also possible. There is also a chance for winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour as the storm or its remnants move north. The worst of the wind is expected Saturday and Sunday.

Wind speeds and rainfall amounts will depend on the path the storm takes. An inland track will likely bring less rain and wind.

A third factor will play into this weekend's weather. Tides will already be higher than normal because of a new moon on Thursday night.

The National Hurricane Center forecasts Tropical Storm Hermine may reach hurricane strength as it comes ashore likely as a Category 1 storm.

The latest forecast Thursday morning had Hermine's top sustained winds at about 60 mph as it approached Florida's upper Gulf coast. If it reaches hurricane strength, Category 1 wind speeds are between 74 mph and 95 mph, forecasters say.

The hurricane center also predicts storm surge along the coast to vary between one and three feet above ground level.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott is ordering state government offices in 51 counties to close.

Georgia's governor also has declared a state of emergency for 56 counties.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Reach Molly Murray at (302) 463-3334 or mmurray@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @MollyMurraytnj.

How to Survive a Rip Current

If you are caught in a rip current

• Stay calm – Don’t fight the current.
• Escape the current by swimming in a direction following the shoreline. When free of the current, swim at an angle – away from the current – toward shore.
• If you are unable to escape by swimming, float or tread water. When the current weakens, swim at an angle away from the current toward shore.
• If at any time you feel you will be unable to reach shore , draw attention to yourself: face the shore, call or wave for help.

How do I help someone else?

• Don’t become a victim while trying to help someone else! Many people have died in efforts to rescue rip current victims.
• Get help from a lifeguard.
• If a lifeguard is not present, yell instructions on how to escape.
• If possible, throw the rip current victim something that floats.
• Call 9-1-1 for further assistance.

Before leaving for the beach

• Check the latest surf zone forecast on NOAA Weather Radio or online. During beach seasons, a number of National Weather Service offices issue a rip current outlook.

When you arrive at the beach

• Speak with on-duty lifeguards about rip currents as well as other surf conditions expected for the day.

General safety tips

• Know how to swim.
• Never swim alone.
• For maximum safety, swim near a lifeguard. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.
• Be cautious at all times.
• If in doubt, don’t go out!

Source: University of Delaware Sea Grant