Riptide risk high on Panhandle beaches

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Emergency management officials say there's a high risk of dangerous rip currents along Florida's Panhandle beaches.

State Meteorologist Amy Godsey says strong westerly winds are generating rough surf conditions from Pensacola to Franklin County.

There also is a moderate risk of rip tides from Pasco County, north of Tampa, to Collier County in southwest Florida.

Godsey warns beachgoers to check the warning flags before entering the water. A red flag means conditions in the Gulf of Mexico are considered dangerous.

Rip currents are narrow, powerful currents that run perpendicular to the beach.