Weather
Florida Coastal Alert: Dangerous Waves Threaten Beaches Through Wednesday Oct 21
Miami, FL – Beachgoers across South Florida face dangerous swimming conditions Sunday, Oct. 18, as strong winds, increasing waves and a high risk of rip currents threaten Atlantic beaches through at l
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-10-18T09:23:18.001Z
Miami, FL – Beachgoers across South Florida face dangerous swimming conditions Sunday, Oct. 18, as strong winds, increasing waves and a high risk of rip currents threaten Atlantic beaches through at least Wednesday. Officials are urging residents and visitors to avoid hazardous surf conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Miami, a high risk of rip currents remains in place for all Atlantic beaches across the South Florida forecast area through at least Wednesday, Oct. 21. A High Surf Advisory also affects Palm Beach and Broward County beaches through at least Tuesday.
Dangerous surf and 14 foot seas expected
Strong winds are creating hazardous conditions across South Florida's coastal waters.
Atlantic waters could experience sustained winds of 20 to 30 knots, with seas building to 10 to 14 feet. Gulf waters may see similar winds, with seas reaching 7 to 9 feet.
Small Craft Advisories are in effect for affected waters, making boating particularly hazardous for smaller vessels.
Rip currents can quickly pull swimmers away from shore, even when beach conditions appear manageable.
Scattered storms and gusty winds Sunday
In addition to dangerous marine conditions, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected through Sunday afternoon, particularly across southeastern portions of South Florida.
Wind gusts could reach 30 mph across much of the region.
Miami and Fort Lauderdale have a 50% to 60% chance of rain, with afternoon highs between 81 and 83 degrees.
West Palm Beach faces a 30% to 40% rain chance, while Naples has less than a 15% chance of precipitation. Temperatures in Naples could reach 85 degrees.
Beach hazards continue into the workweek
The most significant concern remains the extended period of dangerous surf and rip currents along the Atlantic coastline.
Residents and visitors should follow posted beach warnings, avoid entering dangerous surf and monitor updates from the National Weather Service.
The NWS emphasizes that hazardous waves and strong currents can create life threatening swimming conditions.
If in doubt, don't go out.