
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
Now Hiring: Director of Communications and External Affairs
SECOORA is seeking to fill the full-time role of Director of Communications and External Affairs. This role will serve as the organization’s strategic lead for engagement, communication, and external relations.
SECOORA Webinar | WebCOOS and Water Levels: Web Cameras for Coastal Flood Insights
On October 21st at 12 PM ET, SECOORA is hosting a webinar with investigators from the Webcam Coastal Observation System (WebCOOS) project team and the WebCOOS Project Manager. Web cameras are a low-cost technology that can be used to document flooding impacts to coastal communities. Register here.
SECOORA Funding Opportunity Announcement: Letters of Intent Solicitation
SECOORA will submit a coordinated regional proposal in response to the anticipated FY 2026 Implementation of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) funding opportunity. Letters of Intent to be considered for inclusion in SECOORA’s full proposal are due September 9, 2025.