Jacksonville drivers and beachgoers face dangerous conditions Thursday as coastal flooding and rip currents keep parts of Northeast Florida on alert. Even strong swimmers risk being swept into deeper waters, while roadways near the shoreline, including A1A, could close due to minor flooding.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, a Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday, with a High Rip Current Risk through late tonight. Coastal Duval, Flagler, and St. Johns counties are most impacted, where high surf and rising tides pose risks to both swimmers and drivers.
Flooding in low-lying areas may block parking lots, parks, and coastal roads. Officials urge drivers not to bypass barricades or attempt to cross water of unknown depth. Those heading to the ocean are advised to swim only near lifeguards and know rip current survival steps—relax, float, and swim parallel to shore if caught.
Looking ahead, conditions shift Friday as a 30 percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms moves into Jacksonville. Winds may gust over 20 mph, especially near the coast, adding to travel hazards. The weekend outlook stays unsettled, with isolated storms Saturday and a greater storm chance Sunday into early next week.
Fall weather will continue to bring shifting patterns, with cooler breezes at night but lingering storm threats through the five-day stretch.
Five-Day Forecast for Jacksonville, Florida:
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 85. Afternoon storms possible, breezy with gusts up to 23 mph.
- Saturday: Slight chance of storms, mostly clear overnight. High near 83.
- Sunday: 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High near 83.
- Monday: Sunny with slight storm chances after 2 p.m. High near 86.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 87. Storm chance at 20%.
