Rip Current — Sussex, Delaware

2001-07-27 to 2001-07-31 · near Rehoboth Beach, Sussex, Delaware

Wider weather episode

For the second time this month, a high pressure system built into New England and its adjacent coastal waters behind a cold frontal passage on the 27th. Just as the first high was moving farther offshore on the 29th, a low pressure system developed and moved through just southeast of the state. This prolonged the northeast flow. Then another high pressure system built into New England which prolonged the northeast flow even longer. This caused more rip currents and rough surf. Red Flag Warnings were posted along many beaches with bathing restrictions. Nevertheless, lifeguards at Rehoboth beach performed 210 rescues from July 27th through August 1st. There were already more water rescues this summer along Delaware beaches than throughout the entire 2000 summer season. There were seven reported injuries from Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach and the Delaware Seashore State Park. They included a cardiac arrest and a boy with a spinal injury.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5260511. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.