High risk of rip currents today along the Outer Banks; Ana becomes tropical storm

NOAA satellite imagery of Tropical Storm Ana, the first named storm of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season.

Stay out of the ocean today. Red flags are flying on the Outer Banks due to dangerous rip currents and a strong shorebreak threat due to long-period swell from distant Tropical Storm Ana.

A high risk of rip currents continues along Outer Banks beaches through Monday. [NWS graphic]
The National Weather Service says the enhanced rip current threat is expected to continue through Monday.

Meanwhile, satellite images indicate that Ana transitioned from a subtropical storm to a tropical storm early this morning, the National Hurricane Center said. The first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season (which officially begins June 1) was located northeast of Bermuda this morning moving slowly northeast with sustained winds of 45 mph.

Slight weakening is expected to take place during the next 24 hours and Ana is expected to dissipate by Monday, the hurricane center said.

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Kari Pugh is digital director for OBXToday.com, Beach 104, 99.1 The Sound, 94.5 WCMS and News Talk 92.3 WZPR. Reach her at kpugh@jammediallc.com