Tropical Storm Dexter off US East Coast raises rip current danger at beaches from Northeast to South Florida
Rip currents will pose a serious risk to beachgoers all along the East Coast. Beaches from New York and New Jersey southward to Delaware are seeing a moderate risk on Monday, while a high rip current risk exists for portions of the Delmarva Peninsula, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Moderate rip current risks also exist from Georgia to South Florida.
Tropical Storm Dexter continues to pull away from US East Coast
Tropical Storm Dexter formed off the East Coast on Sunday night and continues on its journey away from the U.S. FOX Weather Meteorologists Stephen Morgan and Haley Meier break down the latest advisory on Aug. 4, 2025.
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Tropical Storm Dexter formed off the U.S. East Coast in the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday night, and while the storm won’t directly impact us here at home, beachgoers from the Northeast to South Florida will need to be aware of a rising rip current risk.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that maximum sustained winds within Tropical Storm Dexter reached 45 mph, officially designating it as a tropical storm.
A tropical storm is a tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained winds between 39 and 73 mph – an upgrade from a tropical depression.
Tropical Storm Dexter is currently located about 250 miles to the northwest of Bermuda and is moving off to the northeast near 14 mph.
The NHC said a similar northeastward or east-northeastward motion is expected to continue over the next few days.
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Dexter is forecast to move away from the U.S. coast and stay to the north of Bermuda.
Tropical Storm Dexter could strengthen a bit over the next few days before becoming a post-tropical cyclone by Wednesday as it encounters increasing wind shear.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.
US rip current risk rises as Dexter spins off East Coast
Watch: What is a rip current?
This video explains rip currents and how they form along the shoreline.
Tropical Storm Dexter may be moving away from the U.S., but impacts from the fast-moving storm will be felt along the coast.
People from New England southward to South Florida have flocked to beaches to catch some rays and enjoy some time in the water, but dangers lurk below the surface.
Rip currents will pose a serious risk to beachgoers all along the East Coast. Beaches from New York and New Jersey southward to Delaware are seeing a moderate risk on Monday, while a high rip current risk exists for portions of the Delmarva Peninsula, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina in the mid-Atlantic.
Moderate rip current risks also exist from Georgia to South Florida.
Rip currents are strong, narrow currents that move away from the shore and out to sea at high speeds. They can occur at any beach with breaking waves – not just in the ocean.