HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN LONG ISLAND SOUND THIS WEEK

Ocean swells from Hurricane Irma are causing a high risk of rip currents in the Long Island Sound Wednesday through this weekend, according to a warning from Connecticut Sea Grant and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Rip currents, powerful streams of water that flow away from shore, can put swimmers, surfers and boaters in danger, Connecticut Sea Grant, which is part of the NOAA and the University of Connecticut, said in a news release.

NOAA is monitoring the path of Hurricane Irma, which hit the Caribbean early Wednesday. By Wednesday evening, tropical storms Jose and Katia had strengthened into hurricanes and both were headed toward landfall.

The National Weather Service said in a warning that rip currents most often occur at low spots, breaks in sandbars and structures like jetties and piers. They advised swimmers to talk to life guards about possible hazards and to only swim in lifeguard-protected area.

Swimmers caught in a rip current should relax and float through it, and not try to swim against the water. They should swim parallel to the shoreline and, if unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.

NOAA has published more information about rip current safety at ripcurrents.noaa.gov.

On Wednesday, Tropical Storm Katia strengthened into a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico off Mexico's coast. But the National Hurricane Center said Katia was expected to stay offshore through Friday morning. Tropical Storm Jose also strengthened into a hurricane Wednesday, according to the hurricane center's website.

Sea Grant advised area residents to review NOAA hurricane preparation information and prepare to respond to future weather emergencies. — Martha Shanahan The Associated Press contributed to this report.