Tropical disturbance could develop to first 2008 depression; rip currents threaten South Florida
MIAMI (WSVN) -- The start of the 2008 hurricane season is less than a week away, and a disturbance over the Pacific Ocean near Costa Rica is already threatening to intensify.
This tropical disturbance is showing rotation and is looking better organized on satellite imagery. It may become a tropical depression within the next 24 hours. In the mean time, this tropical disturbance is creating flooding rains over areas of Central America including Panama, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Honduras. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mud slides.
Short range outlook shows this tropical disturbance will continue to meander over Central America for the next few days. The future path in the long run still remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, an unrelated weather system is creating a risk of rip currents for coastal areas in West Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. Forecasters said easterly winds blowing at about 15 to 20 miles per hour will lead to the high risk of rip currents on Atlantic Coast beaches Wednesday.
Yesterday, two swimmers died from rip currents, one in St. Lucie County, and another in Volusia County. Meanwhile about 200 swimmers had to be rescued in those areas due to the rip currents.
If you're an inexperienced swimmer, you're urged to exercise caution when venturing into the waves.
Should you be caught in a rip current do not swim against it. Swim parallel with the shore until you are free from the pull of the current.
But the best advice is to stay out of the water altogether.
(Copyright 2008 by Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
