Distant Hurricane Sam continues to bring dangerous rip currents, swells to Florida beaches

ORLANDO, Fla. – Hurricane Sam continues to be a powerful hurricane as it moves north through the Atlantic Ocean. Even as Sam is more than 1,000 northeast of Florida, the storms indirect impacts are being felt across the Atlantic.

As of 11 a.m. Sunday, Hurricane Sam has maximum sustained winds near 100 mph with higher gusts, according to the National Hurricane Center. The hurricane is about 625 miles south of Cape Race, Newfoundland, and heading northeast at 16 mph.

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Numerous strong rip currents will impact the Florida beaches through at least Sunday evening as Hurricane Sam pulls away from Bermuda toward the North Atlantic. A stiff northeast breeze on the order of 10-15 mph will also make for rough surf. The rough surf will enhance the hidden rip current threat through the weekend. It is advised not to enter the ocean.

Expect waves to be on the order 3-5 feet Sunday.

Ocean conditions will gradually improve starting Monday.