Watch out for longshore currents if you’re swimming at the beach today

If you’re planning on visiting a Grand Strand-area beach today, you’ll want to be careful when you take a dip in the ocean.

The National Weather Service in Wilmington, N.C. has issued an alert about the presence of longshore currents stirring in the water Thursday from about 8 a.m. through the evening from Georgetown County, stretching up the coast through all of coastal Horry County to New Hanover and Pender counties in N.C.

South surface winds blowing about 15 to 20 mph mixed with southeasterly waves will create conditions that spawn longshore currents - the strong currents that can push swimmers far from the swimming spot they started from and can make it difficult for them to keep their footing.

These currents will affect east-facing beaches in the advisory area, and weather authorities advise swimmers use caution in or near the water and be aware of the potentially dangerous conditions.

This story was originally published June 23, 2017 at 6:50 AM with the headline "Watch out for longshore currents if you’re swimming at the beach today."