Download - NWS Rip Current Forecasting Program. NWS Rip Current Forecasts l Surf Zone Forecast l Hazardous Weather Outlook l Rip Current Statement.

NWS Rip Current NWS Rip Current Forecasting ProgramForecasting Program

NWS Rip Current ForecastsNWS Rip Current Forecasts

Surf Zone Forecast Surf Zone Forecast Hazardous Weather OutlookHazardous Weather Outlook Rip Current Statement Rip Current Statement

NWS Rip Current Outlooks DefinitionsNWS Rip Current Outlooks Definitions Rip Current Outlooks use the following, three-tiered set of Rip Current Outlooks use the following, three-tiered set of

qualifiers:qualifiers: Low RiskLow Risk of rip currents. Wind and/or wave conditions are not of rip currents. Wind and/or wave conditions are not

expected to support the development of rip currents; however, expected to support the development of rip currents; however, rip currents can sometimes occur, especially in the vicinity of rip currents can sometimes occur, especially in the vicinity of groins, jetties, and piers. Know how to swim and heed the advice groins, jetties, and piers. Know how to swim and heed the advice of lifeguards.of lifeguards.

Moderate RiskModerate Risk of rip currents. Wind and/or wave conditions of rip currents. Wind and/or wave conditions support stronger or more frequent rip currents. Only experienced support stronger or more frequent rip currents. Only experienced surf swimmers should enter the water.surf swimmers should enter the water.

High RiskHigh Risk of rip currents. Wind and/or wave conditions support of rip currents. Wind and/or wave conditions support dangerous rip currents. Rip currents are life-threatening to dangerous rip currents. Rip currents are life-threatening to anyone entering the surf. anyone entering the surf.

WFO Northern Indiana Rip Current Outlook WFO Northern Indiana Rip Current Outlook Forecasting SchemeForecasting Scheme

Low RiskLow Risk of rip currents. Waves forecast in the 1-3ft of rip currents. Waves forecast in the 1-3ft range or less.range or less.

Moderate RiskModerate Risk of rip currents. Waves forecast in the 2-4ft of rip currents. Waves forecast in the 2-4ft range. range.

High RiskHigh Risk of rip currents. Waves forecast in the 3-5ft of rip currents. Waves forecast in the 3-5ft range or higher.range or higher.

Seiche activity increases rip current risk.Seiche activity increases rip current risk. Weekends/Holidays…err on the side of cautionWeekends/Holidays…err on the side of caution Climatologically low Lake Michigan water levels increase Climatologically low Lake Michigan water levels increase

rip current risk while high levels decrease risk.rip current risk while high levels decrease risk.

Lake Michigan Water LevelsLake Michigan Water Levels

Lake Michigan Water Level 1 1/2ft Below NormalLake Michigan Water Level 1 1/2ft Below Normal

Surf Zone ForecastSurf Zone Forecast

Weather.gov/iwxWeather.gov/iwx

Hazardous Weather OutlookHazardous Weather Outlook

Rip Current Statement- Moderate RiskRip Current Statement- Moderate Risk

Rip Current Statement- High RiskRip Current Statement- High Risk

Rip Current Statement on NWS Web PageRip Current Statement on NWS Web Page

Headline in Point and Click ForecastHeadline in Point and Click Forecast

http://inws.wrh.noaa.gov/http://inws.wrh.noaa.gov/

NWS ChatNWS Chat

https://nwschat.weather.gov/https://nwschat.weather.gov/

2010 Rip Current Statement Stats2010 Rip Current Statement Stats Season is 130 days longSeason is 130 days long 28 Statements issued (approx. 22% of the days)28 Statements issued (approx. 22% of the days) May 1May 1 Jun 7Jun 7 Jul 4Jul 4 Aug 7Aug 7 Sep 10Sep 10 By comparison… only 19 Lakeshore Hazard Messages By comparison… only 19 Lakeshore Hazard Messages

issued in the summer of 2009issued in the summer of 2009

Beach Observations Beach Observations

Suggestions/Comments/QuestionsSuggestions/Comments/Questions??