Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight will be far to the north, threatening the Carolinas. It is also expected to hit Florida beaches and could cause coastal flooding in parts of the Sunshine State.

According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management Meteorology, the state’s east coast – from Nassau County to Palm Beach County – is at high risk for rip currents, and hazardous boating conditions are expected due to high waves.

Beachgoers should exercise caution and look for warning flags on the beach to indicate current dangers before entering the water.

The increased surf, combined with the development of spring tides in East and South Florida, could lead to minor or locally moderate coastal flooding.

The following flood warnings and reports apply:

Weather observations and warnings for Florida

How to recognize a rip current and how to escape it

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), backwash currents are strong, narrow channels of water that move water away from the coast at speeds of up to 8 feet per second.

They occur on all surfing beaches and typically form in areas with sandbars and near breakwaters and piers.

Surf currents can pull even the strongest swimmers away from shore.

How to recognize a backwash:

• A narrow gap of darker, seemingly calmer water between areas of breaking waves and whitewater.

• A canal with turbulent, choppy water.

• A difference in the color of the water.

• A line of foam, seaweed or debris moving out to sea.

If you get caught in a rip current:

• Relax. You won’t be pulled underwater by the surf’s back currents.

• Don’t swim against the current.

• You may be able to escape by swimming out of the current toward the shoreline or onto the breaking waves and then diagonally toward the beach.

• If the current leads back to shore, you may be able to escape by floating or treading water.

• If you feel you cannot reach the shore, make yourself known. If you need help, call out and wave for help.

Florida’s Beach Flag Warning System

In Florida, a uniform flag system is required on all public beaches in the state.

Florida beach warning flags come in four colors: red, yellow, green and purple.

• Double red flags: water closed to the public

• Red Flag: High Danger – high swell and/or strong currents, including the possibility of rip currents

• Yellow Flag: Moderate Danger – moderate surf and/or strong currents, including the possibility of backwash

• Green flag: calm conditions, caution is advised

• Purple flag: Stinging marine creatures such as Portuguese man o’ war, jellyfish or stingrays

There are signs along the beach explaining the meaning of each color.

What are spring tides?

According to NOAA, “spring tide” is a “non-scientific term commonly used to describe exceptionally high tides. Tides are long-lasting waves that roll around the planet as the ocean is ‘pulled’ back and forth by the gravity of the moon and sun as these celestial bodies interact with Earth in their monthly and annual orbits. Higher than normal tides typically occur during new or full moons and when the moon is at its perigee, or during certain times of the year across the country.”

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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Possible impacts of Tropical Cyclone 8 on Florida: Surf rip currents, flooding