Beach Conditions Will Deteriorate As Hermine Bears Down On Ocean County

Don't go swimming today, if you can find a beach that's open.

A near hurricane is on the way, and waves of seven to 12 feet can be expected, the National Weather Service says.

Skies will be cloudy today, with a slight chance of rain. Highs will be in the mid-70s. Winds will be from the east at 20 to 25 miles per hour. There is no lightning threat. The UV index is a 3, so don't worry about the sunscreen.

Waves will be seven to 12 feet, with south swell of two to three feet. The water temperature is 76 degrees.

There's a high risk of rip currents.

High surf and large swells with produce pounding surf at the beaches.

"These rip currents will be life-threatening to anyone who enters the surf," the NWS said. "Anyone visiting the beaches should stay out of the surf."

The Ocean County Sheriff's Department Facebook page is already reporting several water rescues, despite all the warnings.

"People," the post states. "Don't be stupid. Do not put responders lives in jeopardy because you want to risk your own. One subject already realized today that he needs another hobby."

Areas of minor flooding will begin with the evening tide, followed by minor to moderate flooding on Sunday and Sunday night. Widespread moderate flooding is forecast for Monday and may continue into Tuesday.

"Given multiple rounds of tidal flooding, water in the back bays will have a hard time draining between tidal cycles, which should lead to prolonged and significant flooding in these locations.

High tide at Barnegat Inlet will arrive at 9:43 a.m. Low tide is expected at 3:59 p.m. and another high tide at 9:57 p.m.

Be careful out there.

Image: Patricia A. Miller