Residents and visitors in parts of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia are advised to brace for a bout of inclement weather and significant coastal disruptions. According to a report from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Jacksonville, FL, an array of warnings and advisories are in place including a Coastal Flood Advisory, High Surf Advisory, High Rip Current Risk, and a more serious Coastal Flood Warning.
The NWS outlines that the Coastal Flood Advisory will remain in action until 10 AM EDT this morning, cautioning against minor coastal flooding. Concurrently, there's a heightened concern for beachgoers as the High Surf Advisory indicates large breaking waves of up to 10 feet anticipated to last through the weekend, and a persistent High Rip Current Risk threatening even the most adept swimmers with dangerous currents. The area, battered by winds reaching 25 to 32 mph with even stronger gusts, remains under a Wind Advisory until the early hours of Sunday.
As the Coastal Flood Advisory gives way at 10 AM, it escalates to a Coastal Flood Warning which will stay in effect until Sunday at 6 AM EDT. "Significant coastal flooding expected," warns the NWS, forecasting an inundation of low lying properties, including homes, businesses, and crucial infrastructure. The advisory entails road closures and possible erosion, disrupting daily travel and property in the coastal zones.
"Swim near a lifeguard. 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," the NWS.
