Alabama Beach Safety
Alabama Beach Safety
Latest Rip Current Risk
The Rip Current Risk Graphic is the most recent issued by the Weather Forecast Office in Mobile, Alabama. The forecast is updated daily between 5:00am-9:00am. If you do not see the current date after those times refresh your browser.
Latest NWS Mobile Alerts
What is a Rip Current
A Rip Current is a powerful, narrow channel of water flowing away from the beach. Rip currents typically extend from near the shoreline out through the breaker zone where breaking waves form. Rip currents can and do occur on clear, sunny days. Think of a rip current like this - it is a natural treadmill traveling away from the beach. Rip currents can travel as fast as 8 feet per second - that’s faster than an Olympic swimmer! A rip current is dangerous because it can sweep even the strongest swimmers out to sea. For that reason, rip currents are life-threatening to anyone entering the surf.
Rip currents also commonly form around breaks in sandbars and near inlets, jetties, and piers (where they are more intense).
Beach Flag Warning System
Some areas of the Alabama Gulf C0ast utilize a Beach Flag Warning System.
For current conditions in Gulf Shores you may call: (251)968-8433
For Current Conditions in Orange Beach you may call: (251)981-7873
The Fort Morgan area does not have an official Beach Flag Warning system, the Rip Current Risk graphic above can be used to assess rip current risk.