1. NWS Rip Current Forecasting Program

2. NWS Rip Current Forecasts • Surf Zone Forecast • Hazardous Weather Outlook • Rip Current Statement

3. NWS Rip Current Outlooks Definitions • Rip Current Outlooks use the following, three-tiered set of qualifiers: • Low Risk of rip currents. Wind and/or wave conditions are not expected to support the development of rip currents; however, rip currents can sometimes occur, especially in the vicinity of groins, jetties, and piers. Know how to swim and heed the advice of lifeguards. • Moderate Risk of rip currents. Wind and/or wave conditions support stronger or more frequent rip currents. Only experienced surf swimmers should enter the water. • High Risk of rip currents. Wind and/or wave conditions support dangerous rip currents. Rip currents are life-threatening to anyone entering the surf.

4. WFO Northern Indiana Rip Current Outlook Forecasting Scheme • Low Risk of rip currents. Waves forecast in the 1-3ft range or less. • Moderate Risk of rip currents. Waves forecast in the 2-4ft range. • High Risk of rip currents. Waves forecast in the 3-5ft range or higher. • Seiche activity increases rip current risk. • Weekends/Holidays…err on the side of caution • Climatologically low Lake Michigan water levels increase rip current risk while high levels decrease risk.

5. Lake Michigan Water Levels

6. Lake Michigan Water Level 1 1/2ft Below Normal

7. Surf Zone Forecast

8. Weather.gov/iwx

10. Hazardous Weather Outlook

13. Rip Current Statement- Moderate Risk

14. Rip Current Statement- High Risk

15. Rip Current Statement on NWS Web Page

16. Headline in Point and Click Forecast

17. http://inws.wrh.noaa.gov/

18. NWS Chat

19. https://nwschat.weather.gov/

20. 2010 Rip Current Statement Stats • Season is 130 days long • 28 Statements issued (approx. 22% of the days) • May 1 • Jun 7 • Jul 4 • Aug 7 • Sep 10 • By comparison… only 19 Lakeshore Hazard Messages issued in the summer of 2009

21. Beach Observations

22. Suggestions/Comments/Questions?