Mobile, Ala. – The National Weather Service office in Mobile as well as local beach safety officials are issuing strong rip current warnings along all Alabama and Florida panhandle beaches today.

Here's the morning update from NOAA: "Although Hurricane Ingrid (now a Tropical Storm) is some 750 miles southwest of the central Gulf coast...long period swell from the storm is forecast to arrive across the central Gulf coast beaches today."

Ingrid swelled into an 85 mph hurricane Sunday as she lingered over warm waters in the southwest Gulf. As the storm was beginning to make its Mexican landfall this morning the U.S. National Hurricane Center lowered its status back to a Tropical Storm.

Rip current safety and beach warning flag awareness gained heightened attention earlier this summer. Following numerous rescues and three drownings along the Alabama Gulf beaches in June, officials were forced to fly 'double-red-flags": Beaches closed. Stay out of the water.

The warnings were not strong enough. Insistent swimmers placed rescue responders at risk and another drowning occurred due to the rip currents. A total of four drownings in the span of two days.

Today's complete rip current statement follows from NOAA . . .

... High rip current risk remains in effect through late tonight...

* timing... today and tonight

* impacts... the combination of long period swell and a Spring tidal cycle brings a high risk of potentially life threatenin rip currents along area beaches. Be watchful for breaks in the surf line... where an increased rip current risk may exist.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

There is a high risk of rip currents.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore... which occur most often at low spots or breaks in The Sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as groins... jetties and piers. Heed the advice of lifeguards and the beach patrol. Pay attention to flags and posted signs.