If there's trouble in the tropics, it's hard to tell by taking a look at Atlantic Beach.
With the smell of sunscreen in the air, this stretch of the Crystal Coast felt like paradise for most folks Tuesday.
Forecasters believe Hurricane Bill is making a bee-line for Bermuda, but that doesn't mean his presence won't be felt here in the east this weekend.
Storm Team Nine meteorologist Gannon Medwick explains why.
“Late this week and into this weekend, the likely track of Hurricane Bill will be between Cape Hatteras and Bermuda, perhaps closer to Bermuda,” Medwick said. “Given that track and the storm's forecast intensity, a swell will reach our coast -- translating in to higher than average surf and an elevated risk of rip currents late, late this week into this weekend.”
Atlantic Beach Fire Chief Adam Snyder says his lifeguards will be on the lookout as conditions deteriorate.
“With those strong waves comes a lot of rip currents,” Snyder said. “So we're just expecting a pretty heavy weekend for rip currents.”
While no one expects this to be a paradise lost" it could prove dangerous for swimmers.
Snyder's best advice? Follow the lifeguards' lead.
“Come down at the guarded beach,” he said. “They're going to keep you safe, the lifeguards. They're going to let you know if it's safe or not safe to swim. They're going to give you the best recommendations on where to swim.”
And they can make the call to red-flag the beach if things get too rough -- a move Snyder calls common when bad storms approach.
“And if they do decide to red flag it, advising people to stay out of the water, please adhere to that warning and stay out of the water,” Snyder said.
Coastal leaders say keep your weekend beach plans, just play it safe
And remember, if you get caught in one of those rip currents stay calm and swim parallel to the shore until the current releases you.
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