Residents and visitors in parts of Northeast Florida are advised to prepare for windy conditions, as a Wind Advisory is in effect from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT today, according to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville. Northeast winds of around 25 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph. These conditions may cause unsecured objects to be blown around, break tree limbs, and lead to isolated power outages. Individuals planning to be outdoors along the coast should take appropriate precautions.
The National Weather Service has extended a Coastal Flood Advisory until 8 p.m. EDT Sunday. Minor flooding is forecast for low-lying areas, including Coastal Duval, Coastal Flagler, and parts of St. Johns County. Affected regions may experience increased moisture and localized water accumulation. There is also a 20 percent chance of precipitation today. Individuals attending outdoor events should be aware of the possibility of rain and the need for shelter if conditions change.
A High Rip Current Risk is also in effect for the same coastal areas under wind and flood advisories. Hazardous surf conditions are expected to continue through Sunday evening. According to the National Weather Service, rip currents can carry swimmers away from shore and into deeper water.
If caught in a rip current, swimmers should avoid swimming directly against the flow. It is recommended to stay calm and float, swim parallel to the shoreline to escape the current if possible, and if unable to reach safety, face the shore and signal or call for help. These steps are intended to aid in safely managing rip current situations.
