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Hurricane Maria could cause dangerous rip currents in South Florida

Posted at 7:03 AM, Sep 25, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-25 07:03:45-04

MIAMI (AP/WPTV) -- Beware of rip currents when swimming in South Florida this week.

Though Hurricane Maria's is well to the east, its winds are pushing water toward the east coast of Florida.

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Storm Team 5 Meteorologist Glenn Glazer said there is a high surf advisory in effect with 7-10 foot seas possible Monday as large swells from Maria begin to really impact our shores. 

The Miami Herald reports that Larry Kelly, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Miami-Dade, said the risk is highest for Palm Beach. There is a moderate risk for Miami-Dade and Broward.

High tides will be between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday, so that's when some of the biggest waves will hit the shore.

This activity could last through Wednesday or later, depending on how much Maria slows down this week.

Kelly said people who are visiting the beach shouldn't swim or go past their knees. If people get caught in a rip current, swim parallel with the shore until they're out of the current and can swim back to shore.

On Monday morning, tropical storm warnings and watches were issued for portions of the North Carolina coast.