Rip Current — Queens, New York

2001-07-23 · near Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York

Wider weather episode

Three girls were playing in knee-deep surf near Beach 17th street on Rockaway Beach around 9 am EDT, when they were swept away by rip currents. The inlet between Rockaway and Atlantic Beach was dredged to accommodate boat travel. The steep slope of the Continental Shelf, coupled with the tides, created a dangerous funnel effect.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5259358. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.