Multiple Rip Current Warnings Issued for Southeast Coast
Dangerous rip currents threaten swimmers along Southeast coast beaches from Georgia to central Florida, with warnings extending through Monday night in some areas.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — The National Weather Service issued multiple rip current statements for beaches along the Southeast coast on May 24, warning swimmers and beachgoers of dangerous conditions that can sweep even experienced swimmers into deeper waters.
The warnings affect beaches from northeast Florida through southeast Georgia, with statements issued by weather service offices in Jacksonville, Florida and Melbourne, Florida. The advisories remain in effect through late tonight for most areas, with some extending through Monday night.
Georgia and Northeast Florida Beaches Most at Risk
Southeast Georgia beaches face dangerous rip current conditions through 5:00 AM EDT on May 25, according to a statement issued at 2:30 AM EDT by the National Weather Service in Jacksonville. A similar warning covers northeast Florida beaches during the same timeframe.
The National Weather Service in Melbourne issued a more extensive warning for beaches in Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, Saint Lucie, and Martin Counties. This advisory runs through late Monday night, extending until 5:00 AM EDT on May 26.
Previous Day Weather Activity
The rip current warnings follow a day of severe weather activity across northern Florida and southeast Georgia on May 23. Multiple severe thunderstorm warnings were issued throughout the evening, bringing 60 mph wind gusts and ping pong ball-sized hail to areas including Lake Butler, Raiford, Worthington Springs, and surrounding communities.
Flooding advisories affected Marion County in northern Florida and Wayne County in southeast Georgia. In Marion County, between 1.5 and 3 inches of rain fell in areas including Moss Bluff, Ocklawaha, Weirsdale, Lake Weir, The Village of Briar Meadow, Silver Springs Shores, Belleview and Summerfield. Wayne County saw 2 to 3 inches of rainfall in locations including Jesup, Gardi, Screven and Broadhurst.
Safety Precautions for Beachgoers
The National Weather Service emphasizes that rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. Beachgoers are advised to stay out of the water when rip current statements are in effect.
Rip current warnings were also issued for Gulf Coast areas, including Mobile Coastal and Baldwin Coastal Counties in Alabama, and Escambia Coastal, Santa Rosa Coastal and Okaloosa Coastal Counties in Florida. These warnings run through late tonight.
The National Weather Service in Tallahassee issued a separate rip current statement for Gulf and Franklin County beaches, which was scheduled to expire at 11:00 PM EDT on May 23.
