Dangerous ocean and coastal conditions are expected to continue along much of Florida’s east coast through Wednesday and early Thursday, with coastal flood warnings, high surf advisories and rip-current risks in effect.
The National Weather Service said persistent strong northeasterly winds, combined with high astronomical tides, are driving flooding, large waves and shoreline erosion. NWS Melbourne’s coastal hazard products for east-central Florida are scheduled to remain in effect until 2 a.m. Thursday.
Coastal flood warnings cover Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties in east-central Florida through 2 a.m. Thursday. NWS Melbourne warned of significant flooding and shoreline erosion, including on the barrier islands. At Trident Pier on Monday morning, a preliminary water-level crest of 3.02 feet above mean higher high water was the site’s highest non-tropical reading since 1994, according to the agency.
In northeast Florida, coastal flood warnings through 2 a.m. Thursday include coastal Nassau, Duval and Flagler counties, plus northeast and southeast coastal St. Johns County. NWS Jacksonville said flooding could reach moderate to possibly major levels around high tide. A separate warning covers parts of the St. Johns River Basin, including inland Flagler, eastern Clay and Putnam, Trout River, south-central Duval and western St. Johns.
Coastal Palm Beach County remains under a coastal flood warning until 8 p.m. Wednesday. NWS Miami said flooding could close numerous roads and inundate low-lying homes, businesses and some critical infrastructure.
Large surf adds to the risk. East-central Florida could see breaking waves of 7 to 11 feet through early Thursday, while Palm Beach County is forecast for waves of 8 to 13 feet through Wednesday evening. Northeast Florida’s high-surf advisory, with waves of 8 to 10 feet, runs through Wednesday morning. High rip-current risks continue into Wednesday night in east-central and northeast Florida and through Wednesday evening in Palm Beach County.
Officials urge people to stay out of the ocean and avoid flooded roads or barricades. NWS Miami noted that salt water can damage vehicles. Boaters also face gale warnings and rough seas in several Atlantic zones, with small-craft advisories following the gale conditions.
