VB ready for rip currents from Alberto

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Red flags are still flying at the Oceanfront. They have been alerting the public to dangerous surf since Friday.

Safety officials say a strong Northeast wind, around 15-30 mph, persisted throughout the weekend, causing stronger surf than usual.

The Virginia Beach Livesaving Service patrolled the beach Sunday, asking swimmers to stay out of the water.

The safety service is also ready to react to strong rip currents that could affect Virginia Beach as a result of Tropical Storm Alberto.

WAVY.com asked how the lifesaving service is preparing for the storm.

"We keep assessing the situation, hour by hour, and, as things get better, we pull red flags back," said Deputy Chief Tom Gill. "Or, as things get worse, like this weekend, we're ready to put red flags up and restrict the swimming."

Gill says anytime you see a red flag on the beach, ask a lifeguard about the conditions. If there are no lifeguards, do not swim.

For the latest on the storm, read Meteorologist Mike Goldberg's blog . In the latest post Sunday night, Goldberg writes: "Alberto’s closest approach to the Outer Banks will come Tuesday, albeit well offshore if the current forecast verifies."

The Holland family is visiting from New York City for the first time. Their itinerary doesn't exactly gel with the forecast.

"Just a night here, and a couple nights down in the Outer Banks, if the storm is done by then," said the Hollands.

The irony is they purposely scheduled the trip before the start of hurricane season. Unfortunately, Mother Nature doesn't follow the calendar.

"What can you do?" joked Bonnie Holland.