Why the Possibility of Rip Currents Produced by Erin is Worrisome

Hurricane Erin is expected to track between Bermuda and the U.S. East Coast in the coming days. While the powerful storm is not expected to make a direct strike on either country, the sheer size of this hurricane will mean that its impacts will stretch for hundreds of miles from the center.

One of the most dangerous impacts capable of affecting the U.S. and Bermuda will be rip currents. Here is a look at how distant hurricanes can generate rip currents and what you can do to protect yourself.

Understanding the Power of Rip Currents

Just because you cannot see a tropical weather maker in the distance, it does not mean that its impacts will not be felt on your stretch of coastline. Erin's impending approach is a good reminder that rough seas and rip currents can extend for thousands of miles from where the storm is spinning.

Rip currents are narrow but powerful flows of water that pose a threat to swimmers. These strong currents flow away from the shoreline, meaning that even the strongest swimmers can be carried out to sea. Rip currents are a possibility at any beach that produces breaking waves.

Why are rip currents associated with hurricanes? Tropical weather systems naturally produce strong winds that whip around near the eye of the storm. These winds can extend hundreds of miles, generating waves in the form of swells.

This means that even if the conditions are beautiful at the beach you are enjoying, a hurricane lurking hundreds of miles away could be sending rough surf and rip currents your direction. It is easy to be fooled by sunny skies and calm winds. The truth is that danger could be lurking in the seas.