Sandy Impacts Florida to North Carolina

By Alex Sosnowski, Expert Senior Meteorologist

October 25,2012; 8:26PM,EDT

 

 

 

 

 

While Hurricane Sandy will remain offshore, portions of the southern Atlantic coast will be buffeted by the large system into the weekend.
Dangerous conditions in the surf and on the seas will spread northward.
The central and southern Atlantic coast of Florida will be experiencing gusty squalls, dangerous surf, beach erosion, locally heavy rain and the potential for flash urban flooding through Friday. Rip currents will be very strong and frequent. Seas will be very rough over the Florida Straits. Winds can reach tropical storm force.

The greatest effect Sandy will have on coastal areas northern Florida through South Carolina will be rough surf and stiff breezes into the weekend. Little or no rain is forecast in this area, due to a component of dry air from the land.

Farther north, eastern North Carolina, especially the outer banks will have similar effects to that of South Florida with a return of gusty, drenching squalls. However, coastal flooding and over wash will increase Saturday into Sunday. Tropical storm conditions are to be expected. Conditions will become dangerous in the surf and for small craft.
Powerful waves and rip currents are forecast along the Atlantic coast into early next week. Bathing in these conditions, where beaches are closed to swimming, may not only endanger your life, but may also put rescuers at risk.