Jose stays off our coast, will bring large waves and higher rip current risk

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Hurricane Jose will be impacting beaches along southeastern North Carolina over the weekend into early next week.

While waves are small now, beaches are going to be see bigger waves, 6-8 feet, and elevated rip current risks.

The high risk of rip currents is likely for both Saturday and Sunday.

Carolina Beach lifeguards stopped their patrols after Labor Day weekend.

Ocean rescue followed up after the holiday with a warning for beachgoers to remain cautious when they are in the water and on the beach.

I spoke to a resident who knows how dangerous the ocean can be.

“I really believe in staying out of the water when there’s rip currents,” Liz Hodgkins, Carolina Beach resident, said. “I have been knee deep in water before and really been afraid at the way the currents are, so if there’s a warning out then I like to stay out of the water.”

Lifeguard won’t be back in the stands until Memorial Day.

Officials say they don’t have warning flags on the beach but recommend to never swim alone and monitor the weather and any warnings that pertain to water safety.