Rip Current — Eastern Cape May, New Jersey

2022-09-08 · Eastern Cape May, New Jersey

Event narrative

Philadelphia media reported a fatality in Ocean City, NJ, likely caused by rip currents. Shortly after noon on Thursday, a man was pulled from the water unresponsive. The man was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His son was injured trying to save him.

Wider weather episode

A prolonged period of onshore flow combined with 3-5 foot breaking waves resulted in dangerous rip currents developing over a 6 day stretch. Enhanced wave heights were due to Hurricane Earl passing well offshore.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1049266. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.