Residents along the northeast Florida coastline are facing a weekend of significant coastal disruptions as the National Weather Service in Jacksonville has issued multiple advisories, including a Coastal Flood Warning and High Surf Advisory, effective through early Monday morning. According to the NWS announcement, large breaking waves reaching 6 to 8 feet high continue to pose a considerable risk to both property and beachgoers.
The alerts impact several counties including Coastal Duval, Coastal Flagler, and parts of St. Johns County, with "significant coastal flooding expected to begin around the late afternoon and early evening high tide on Friday," as mentioned on NWS. Residents are advised to remain vigilant as numerous roads could be shut down due to the high surf and flood conditions. The weather service also warns that low lying property, including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure, will be at risk of inundation. In addition,, there could be some shoreline erosion.
Dangerous rip currents have prompted a High Rip Current Risk warning that will extend through late Sunday night, urging inexperienced swimmers to steer clear of the water this weekend. Precarious conditions have been forecasted by the NWS for beach activities; "Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water," their statement cautions. Those near the water are further advised, "If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don’t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help."
Authorities are urging individuals to avoid disregarding road closures and to not drive through floodwaters as they prepare for a weekend punctuated with adverse conditions. Moreover, the chance of precipitation hovers around 50-70% for the next several days, potentially exacerbating the area's weather challenges. The NWS encourages those in impacted areas to "Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property." and reminds the public to always swim near a lifeguard if they choose to enter the water.
