Beware of rip tides even AFTER the storm is gone

After the sun comes out tomorrow, the danger is not over

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management advises the public to exercise caution along shoreline areas on Friday and Saturday due to anticipated rip currents and high surf.

Although Hurricane Arthur is forecast to remain well offshore of New England, the National Weather Service is forecasting that it will bring dangerous rip currents and high surf across area beaches beginning late Friday and on Saturday.

Pockets of heavy rain out ahead of Hurricane Arthur may occur on Friday and Friday evening, with potential for urban/localized flooding.

Expect 20 - 30 mph wind gusts to start Friday night through early Saturday morning, with highest gusts expected along the southern coast.

Swimming restrictions - i.e. depth limits to waist or knee deep, or designated swimming areas - will be put into place at state beaches as warranted by the weather conditions. Anyone going to beaches this weekend should swim in a protected area where lifeguards are on duty and follow any instructions given by lifeguards.

Besides the risk to swimmers, the weather conditions can also be of danger to onlookers and surfcasters standing on rocks along the shoreline. In addition, increased swells and seas to 10 to 15 feet will accompany Arthur in the outer coastal waters south of Block Island Friday night and could cause difficult navigation for operators of small craft. Boat owners are encouraged to make sure that their vessels are secured through the storm.