Multiple Atlantic Ocean Storms Pose Threat To New Jersey

You might want to rethink that Labor Day weekend vacation destination. The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazard statement to warn people about the potential threats that off-shore storms may pose to New Jersey.

The Atlantic Ocean waters along the New Jersey beaches will be rough at times this week and possibly through the Labor Day weekend as well, according to the National Weather Service.

A combination of multiple tropical storms of varying intensity in the Atlantic Ocean, well to the southeast of New Jersey and Delaware this week, and periods of onshore wind will noticeably increase the danger from rip currents.

The three storms are Tropical Depression Nine in the southeast Gulf of Mexico, Tropical Depression Eight to the east of North Carolina and Hurricane Gaston in the Atlantic Ocean, according to The Weather Channel.

See also: Hurricane Gaston Weakens; Depressions Aim for Florida, North Carolina

The last time the Atlantic had three tropical cyclones active at once was Sept. 13, 2013, Phil Klotzbach, a tropical scientist at Colorado State University, told The Weather Channel.

According to the National Weather Service:

• Swells from Hurricane Gaston have arrived and will probably build another foot late Monday and then possibly reach 4 feet on Tuesday into Wednesday. The breakers in the beach swimming zone will likely be larger.
• These swells not only enhance the potential for dangerous rip currents but can also knock swimmers and waders flat into the sand, causing injury.
• Tuesday and Wednesday should see some of the roughest conditions. It's possible conditions will be similarly difficult for swimmers and waders this Labor Day weekend.
• Vacationers and locals alike should be alert for dangerous rip currents and swim only in designated areas patrolled by lifeguards.
• Swimming after the lifeguards go home, and where lifeguards do not have you in sight, raises the risk of an uncontrolled and unexpected struggle in the water.

Photos courtesy of The Weather Channel and AccuWeather