Jacksonville weather turns hazardous this weekend as strong northeast winds build dangerous surf, coastal flooding and beach erosion along the coast. Sunday brings the worst conditions, with 35 to 45 mph gusts, 7 to 12 foot waves and a high rip current risk.
Saturday starts the setup, with sustained northeast winds of 15 to 20 mph and gusts of 30 to 35 mph. Rain chances will climb through Sunday, while temperatures reach the upper 70s and lower 80s during the day and overnight lows stay in the low to mid-60s inland and the mid-60s to lower 70s along the coast.
Sunday and Monday coastal hazards
Sunday looks to be the windiest and wettest day of the weekend, with northeast winds of 20 to 25 mph and rain chances of 70% to 80% along the coast. A few thunderstorms are possible, and much of the coastal area is under a Level 1 out of 4 threat for excessive rainfall.
A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect through Saturday for portions of the coast, while A Coastal Flood Watch extends into Monday. A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect across the Atlantic waters, and Gale Watches take effect late Saturday into Sunday and continue through Monday.
Atlantic waters and high tides
Breaking waves could reach 7 to 12 feet, offshore seas could build to 12 to 15 feet late this weekend into early next week, and coastal flooding could be minor to moderate. Beach erosion could be moderate to major, and Sunday and Monday morning high tides are the most concerning periods for flooding along the beaches.
Entering the ocean is strongly discouraged this weekend, especially for beachgoers facing high surf and a high risk of rip currents. Gusty northeast winds continue into Monday, so the roughest marine conditions will outlast the first round of rain.
Central Florida coast
Temperatures will stay relatively cool inland and some areas will remain dry even as the coast faces the worst of the surf, flooding and wind. Which specific portions of the coast will see the worst flooding and erosion is not identified, so the safest plan is to avoid the water and expect the highest impacts around the beaches during the weekend high tides.
