High rip current risk reported at N.J. beaches

Authorities are warning swimmers that there's a high risk of rip currents at New Jersey beaches today.

The National Weather Service says conditions are favorable for strong rip currents at beaches along both the New Jersey and Delaware coasts through this evening.

Rip currents are strong, fast-flowing channels of water that quickly pull swimmers away from the shore. They are most common at low spots, breaks in the sandbar and near structures like jetties and piers.

More periods of enhanced risk for rip currents could occur later in the week, due to Tropical Storm Cristobal, according to the weather service.

Long-period swells and rip currents are Cristobal's only expected effects in the region, forecasters say.