Beach-driving ramps in New Smyrna Beach remain closed as powerful surf continues to erode Volusia County’s shoreline.
The National Weather Service extended a Coastal Flood Warning and High Surf Advisory through 2 a.m. Friday, with breaking waves of 7 to 11 feet possible along the coast. At 27th Avenue Beachfront Park, waves had reached a seawall that had previously been buffered by a wide stretch of sand, according to ClickOrlando.
Volusia County completed a beach-renourishment project about five months ago, placing roughly 550,000 cubic yards of sand along more than four miles of shoreline. The $25.8 million project, funded through a state grant, was intended to replace sand lost during earlier hurricanes and provide a buffer for coastal properties.
County officials said they cannot yet determine the full extent of erosion until the prolonged tidal event ends later this week. They noted that sand moved offshore during the event may still help reduce wave impacts.
Visitors planning to use Volusia County’s drive-on beaches should check the Volusia County Beaches app for current access restrictions and conditions.
