1500 Hours, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010: The Sussex County Emergency Operations Center is tracking the progress of Hurricane Igor, which forecasters expect to swing well away from the United States, but could cause rough surf and dangerous rip currents as far north and west as the Delaware coastline.

National Hurricane Center forecasters expect Hurricane Igor to remain at sea, though the Category 4 storm could pass over or near the island of Bermuda late this weekend. Still, large swells generated by the powerful storm could spin out from the center to the Mid-Atlantic States, roughing up the surf and causing dangerous rip currents. Beach goers should use caution if venturing out into the water this weekend.

“While we’ve moved into our ‘shoulder’ season, the water is still warm and inviting for many people during the month of September,” Sussex County EOC Director Joseph L. Thomas said. “But most of the beach patrols are either down to very limited staffs or have gone home for the season. So that means, in many cases, swimmers are on their own, and they should use an extra abundance of caution if going into the surf.”

This month is the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, and currently three storms – Hurricanes Igor, Julia and Karl – are active in the Atlantic basin and Gulf of Mexico. Residents and property owners in coastal states should monitor the tropics frequently, and ensure their properties are ready at any time for possible tropical weather.

For updates, stay tuned to local television and radio stations. Also, visit the Sussex County EOC Web site, at sussexcountyde.gov/services/storm.

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