Rip currents are powerful, channelized currents of fast-moving water nearshore. They are prevalent along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the United States. NOAA’s National Ocean Service, in collaboration with National Weather Service and other stakeholders, is implementing a new Rip Current Forecast Model (RCFM) in the Weather Forecast Offices of Morehead City, North Carolina and Miami, Florida. Ocean data is needed to validate the RCFM model and expand the forecast area.
SECOORA is partnering with NOAA to collect wave observations and visual rip current observations for Emerald Isle, NC. In 2015, SECOORA will be funding a project to address these gaps and collect the absent data. SECOORA is in the process of reviewing proposals. Check back at a later date for more information.
"Strong rip currents are a significant hazard for beachgoers. Our partnership with SECOORA on this project to help validate our wave model and rip current predictions is a key step in improving our rip current forecasts." – Richard S. Bandy, Meteorologist-in-Charge, NWS, Weather Forecast Office Newport/Morehead City, NC
Rip current modeling is important to ensure the public can have a safe day to enjoy the beach.
Related news
GCOOS - SECOORA Joint Webinar Series: Building Synergy Across the US MBON & Ocean Acidification Networks
The GCOOS - SECOORA Webinar Series aims to strengthen collaborations across the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) and regional Ocean Acidification Networks (GCAN and SOCAN).
New High Frequency Radar at the Dry Tortugas National Park Improves Ocean Surface Current Measurements Across the Straits of Florida
A new CODAR Low-Power SeaSonde HFR has been deployed by the University of South Florida at Fort Jefferson on Garden Key to measure surface currents to improve understanding and prediction of the Gulf of Mexico Loop Current.
President Biden Proposes Significant Budget Cuts to IOOS for 2025
President Biden’s recent 2025 budget proposal slashed the funding allocated for the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) by 76%, which would effectively shut down coastal and ocean observing efforts.