Jacksonville, Fla. – Dangerous rip currents and powerful waves are creating hazardous conditions along Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia beaches through late Thursday, raising concerns for swimmers, surfers, and beachgoers.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, a High Rip Current Risk remains in effect until Thursday night, while a High Surf Advisory continues from Tuesday afternoon until early Friday morning. Waves are expected to reach 5 to 8 feet, with peak swells near 11 feet on Wednesday, making conditions especially risky.
The strongest impacts will be felt along beaches in Duval, Nassau, Flagler, St. Johns, and Camden counties, where surf conditions could lead to localized erosion and rapidly changing currents. Officials urge swimmers to stay near lifeguards and to avoid venturing into deeper waters, as rip currents can overpower even experienced swimmers.
Beach safety experts advise avoiding non-essential water activity this week. Anyone caught in a rip current should remain calm, float, and swim parallel to the shore until out of the current.
Hazardous conditions are expected to persist until late week, with more updates possible as surf and rip current threats evolve.
Five Day Forecast for Jacksonville, FL
- Tuesday: Sunny, high near 89°F. Breezy with northeast winds up to 17 mph.
- Wednesday: Chance of afternoon thunderstorms. High near 93°F. Surf peaking near 11 feet.
- Thursday: Sunny, high near 95°F. Evening thunderstorms possible.
- Friday: Showers and storms likely, high near 92°F.
- Saturday: Rain and thunderstorms, high near 91°F.
