Tropical Storm Warning Lifted, But Dangerous Surf Remains At Shore
TRENTON, N.J. (CBS/AP) — Tropical storm warnings that were issued for Jersey shore towns as Hermine headed toward the state were lifted Monday, but forecasters are still warning of dangerously high seas.
The National Hurricane Center said waves as high as 10 to 14 feet are possible.
The tropical storm warnings for towns were replaced Monday morning by a coastal flood advisory that was scheduled to remain in effect until 5 a.m. Tuesday.
Forecasters say minor coastal flooding is anticipated during the morning and evening high tide cycles Monday. Strong winds are also expected throughout the day, with sustained winds of about 20 to 30 mph and gusts reaching as high as 40 mph.
READ: Hermine Still Poses Threat To Shore
The change came as Hermine continued to twist hundreds of miles offshore in the Atlantic Ocean. The storm system is still expected to keep swimmers and surfers out of beach waters because of its dangerous waves and rip currents, and storm surge and beach erosion remain concerns.
Beach closures and warnings to stay out the water were in place at New Jersey and Delaware shore towns, but that wasn't enough to stop some swimmers. The beach patrol in Rehoboth Beach said they had to rescue a young man on Sunday after he got caught in the rough surf.
"It's not worth getting too close to the surf right now," said Captain Kent Buckson. "It's just too powerful, it's too dangerous and it's going to do what it wants to do. It doesn't care about you being a human being. It's going to suck you out and then take your life."
READ: Threat Of Hermine Keeps Many Away From Shore
The improved forecast for New Jersey spurred Republican Gov. Chris Christie to reopen Island Beach State Park on Monday, though it was likely that beachgoers would still be kept out of the water because of the rough waters and rip currents.
The site, one of the state's most popular beaches, had been closed for most of the holiday weekend because initial forecasts called for more severe weather conditions in the region.
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