Rip Current in Sussex County, Delaware

The combination of a weak low pressure system that traveled east off the Delmarva Coastal Waters on the 18th and 19th, a high pressure system that built into New England and then south toward the Delaware Coast produced rip currents along the Delaware coast. Rip currents and rough surf occurred from Thursday the 19th through Sunday the 22nd. They peaked on Friday the 20th and Saturday the 21st. Cautionary bathing flags were posted as four to six foot breakers were common along the shore. The rough surf and rip currents caused numerous injuries: minor neck injuries, dislocated shoulders and elbows, cuts and abrasions. Seven persons were hospitalized. At Rehoboth Beach alone, there were 110 rescues by lifeguards, 50 on Saturday the 21st.