Cold Front Bringing Hazardous Conditions to Coastal Waters

Tampa Bay area residents with a day at the beach or on the waters in mind might want to exercise caution.

The National Weather Service has issued a rip current statement through early Wednesday morning for the coastal areas of Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and Hillsborough counties. The service also warns boaters in small crafts of potentially rough waters as a cold front moves through the area.

“A cold front will move south through the region today,” the weather service wrote in its hazardous weather statement. “In the wake of this front, northwest to north winds will increase to around 20 knows with higher guests. The increasing winds will help to build seas into the 3 to 5 foot range near shore and 4 to 6 feet offshore.”

Rip currents could also pose problems for swimmers at Bay area beaches. These are “powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore,” the weather service explained.

Swimmers are advised to pay attention to warnings issued by local lifeguards and beach patrols.

“If you become caught in a rip current, do not panic,” the service advised. “Remain calm and begin to swim parallel to the shore. Once you are away from the force of the rip current, begin to swim back to the beach. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current.”

As the cold front arrives, Tuesday’s high is anticipated to only reach the mid-60s with a low down in the mid-40s. Anticipated conditions remain similar throughout the workweek.

For a complete look at Bay area weather, visit the National Weather Service online.