Dangerous Rip Currents, Flooding, Wind Expected for Coastal Florida, Georgia, South Carolina

By: By Becky Kellogg

Published: November 5,2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite the lack coastal storms and tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Basin, dangerous surf, strong rip currents and coastal flooding have become a nuisance along the coasts of east Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.
(MORE: See Southeast Advisories, Warnings | Rip Current Safety)
Strong high pressure is swirling off the Canada Maritimes coupled with lower pressure in the Caribbean Sea have left the Florida and Georgia coasts caught in the middle with strong easterly onshore winds, which will make for an ugly few days in the Sunshine State.
“Most of the beach where we're standing will be covered with water during high tides through Wednesday morning,” said meteorologist Mike Seidel of The Weather Channel, reporting from Daytona Beach, Fla.
“High tides here at Daytona Beach are 8:41 a.m. and 9:02 p.m. and close to those times from Charleston to Vero Beach where the high surf advisory is in effect. There will be minor coastal flooding and minor beach erosion.”
Minor coastal flooding is already occurring in some locations.

• Dune erosion – south of Sebastian Inlet, Fla.
• Dune breaches – near Waveland Beach in St. Lucie County, Fla.

From a public safety perspective, there will likely be fewer visitors to the beaches since the height of tourist season is over.
(WATCH: Lackluster Hurricane Season)
“It's the off season here, but with water temperatures still in the low 70s, visitors from up north will still go in the water,” said Seidel. “But not most of the locals. It’s too cold for them. But the lifeguards will keep everyone out today because of the rip currents.”
MORE: Florida Beach Erosion

3 / 7

Beach Erosion Raises Fears on Global Warming

Robert Allergetti looks out at where the beach has been eroded away to the point of knocking over a beach shower and making a portion of route A-1-A impassable in November 2012. The damage may preview what rising sea levels can mean for coastal communities throughout South Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)