East-Central Florida - Monday May 20, 2024: The National Weather Service in Melbourne has issued a Beach Hazard advisory for East-Centeral Florida that remains in effect through late tonight, Monday May 20. Beaches along the East-Central Florida coastline are experiencing a strong southward-flowing longshore current that is producing a high rip current risk.
A Beach Hazard Statement is issued when the risk of swimming in the ocean is high because of large shore breaks, strong rip currents, or potentially deadly waves that surge further up the beach than expected overtaking the unaware, and sweeping them into the ocean. Such waves are known as sneaker, or sleeper waves.
BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT
- WHERE: Coastal Volusia, Coastal Indian River, Coastal Saint Lucie, Coastal Martin, Mainland Northern Brevard, Northern Brevard Barrier Islands, Mainland Southern Brevard and Southern Brevard Barrier Islands Counties.
- WHAT: An increasing, southward-flowing longshore current.
- IMPACTS: Breezy north winds will produce a strong, southward-flowing longshore current today. This can push swimmers into deeper water unexpectedly, making them more susceptible to dangerous rip currents.
- WHEN: Through late tonight.
HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING
The ongoing southward-flowing longshore current is producing dangerous rip currents. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
Residents and visitors are advised to swim near a lifeguard. Don`t swim against the current.
If caught in a rip current, relax and float. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
- WHAT: Dangerous rip currents.
- WHERE: Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida Beaches.
- WHEN: Until 8 PM EDT this evening.
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.
- WHAT: Northeast winds 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 5 to 7 feet.
- WHERE: All Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida coastal waters from Altamaha Sound GA to Flagler Beach FL out to 60 nautical miles.
- WHEN: Until 8 PM EDT this evening.
- IMPACTS: Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.