SOUTHEASTERN N.C. (WECT) - The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted a high rip current risk for all Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick County beaches on Monday. According to the NWS, the forecast was issued on July 7, and red flags are flying from Surf City to Sunset Beach.

As Tropical Storm Chantal weakens inland, the impacts on our beaches linger into Monday. Swells generated by the storm continue to roll in from the Atlantic, and that means a higher risk for dangerous rip currents, especially along our south and east-facing beaches.

Many beachgoers enjoying the waters off Newport Beach on the July Fourth holiday were in for a rude awakening. Lifeguards rescued 350 people Friday after the surf turned dangerous. In one instance, multiple people were rescued from a “monster rip current,” according to social media posts from Newport Beach Lifeguards.