Melbourne, Fla. – Dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents will keep Florida’s east coast on alert through at least Friday as Hurricane Erin, churning well offshore, pushes large swells toward the state.
According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, a High Risk of rip currents is in effect for all east-central Florida beaches, including Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, Vero Beach, and Fort Pierce. Breakers of 6 to 10 feet will peak Wednesday into early Thursday, with minor beach and dune erosion possible during high tide cycles around 5:30 and 7:30 a.m. and p.m.
A Small Craft Advisory remains in place for the local Atlantic, with nearshore seas building to 7–11 feet and offshore waves topping 15 feet. Boating conditions will be especially dangerous near inlets during outgoing tides, prompting officials to warn against venturing onto the water.
Scattered storms are also expected inland each afternoon, but the greatest hazards remain along the coast, where forecasters urge swimmers to stay out of the ocean and mariners to remain in port.
Conditions will stay hazardous into the weekend as swells continue pushing ashore. Additional advisories may be issued if Erin’s circulation strengthens or shifts closer to Florida.
