NWS warns of dangerous rip currents at Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Escambia beaches

The National Weather Service (NWS) Mobile/Pensacola office issued this rip current alert on Oct. 18, 2026, at 9:17 p.m. CDT. Alert text as of Oct. 19, 2026, unedited:

• WHAT…Dangerous rip currents. * WHERE…In Alabama, Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal Counties. In Florida, Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and Okaloosa Coastal Counties. * WHEN…Through late Monday night. * IMPACTS…Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. 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.