Residents along the southeast Georgia and northeast Florida coastlines are facing a heightened risk of rip currents and minor coastal flooding today, as authorities from the National Weather Service in Jacksonville issued warnings that extend through late Monday night and into early Tuesday morning. According to the National Weather Service, latest advisories, the areas affected include Coastal Nassau, Coastal Duval, Coastal St. Johns, Coastal Flagler, Coastal Glynn, and Coastal Camden.
The National Weather Service reports a "High Rip Current Risk now in effect through late Monday night," and a "Coastal Flood Advisory in effect from 6 PM this evening to 5 AM EDT Tuesday." Rip currents are expected to be dangerous, and beachgoers are advised to be cautious as these currents can pull even strong swimmers out to deeper waters. The coastal flood advisory signals that beginning this Sunday evening, there will be minor coastal flooding around the times of high tide.
National Weather Service have stated, "Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected." If you need to travel, allow extra time due to possible road closures from flooding. Don’t drive through water you can’t see through or around barricades. For swimming, it’s safest to use lifeguards. If caught in a rip current, stay calm, float, and don’t swim directly against the current. Try swimming parallel to the shore or signal for help if needed.
In addition to the rip current risks and coastal flooding, the region's locals and tourists can anticipate a mix of showers and potential thunderstorms throughout the week, with the National Weather Service forecasting a 40 percent chance of precipitation today. The ongoing weather conditions, including northeast winds reaching up to 17 mph with gusts as high as 26 mph indicate a breezy and unsettled period ahead for those in the advisory areas. As the week progresses, chances of showers and thunderstorms linger, with temperatures near the mid-80s, adding to the unsettled weather pattern residents and visitors should prepare for.
