High Surf Warning: Escambia Coastal; Santa Rosa Coastal; Okaloosa Coastal

Affected area: Escambia Coastal; Santa Rosa Coastal; Okaloosa Coastal

Severity: Moderate · Effective: July 20, 2026 11:09 am · Expires: July 21, 2026 1:00 am

* WHAT…For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents
expected. For the High Surf Warning, dangerously large breaking
waves up to around 10 feet expected in the surf zone.

* WHERE…Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and Okaloosa
Coastal Counties.

* WHEN…For the High Rip Current Risk, from 7 PM CDT this
evening through late Thursday night. For the High Surf
Warning, from 1 PM Tuesday to 6 AM CDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS…Breaking waves can sweep people off jetties and
docks, and into dangerous seas. Life-threatening swimming
conditions and significant beach erosion can be expected. Rip
currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into
deeper water.

Precautionary / preparedness actions

Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening
surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside
infrastructure.

Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don’t swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.

Source: NWS Mobile AL (U.S. National Weather Service). Always follow official guidance. weather.gov