ORLANDO, Fla. – Rough surf, strong rip currents and hazardous beach conditions are expected to impact Central Florida as Hurricane Erin remains well offshore.
Erin on Tuesday was tracking north and will make its closest approach to Florida early Wednesday, passing more than 400 miles east of the Space Coast. Though the storm’s path remains out at sea, Erin will continue to send strong swells toward the coast.
Conditions for beachgoers and boaters will be dangerous all week, and entering the water is strongly discouraged.
Expect breaking waves of 5 to 8 feet and an ongoing high risk of rip currents, especially during high-tide cycles (roughly 5–7 a.m. and 5–7 p.m.).
A High Surf Advisory begins Tuesday afternoon for Flagler, Volusia and Brevard counties.
A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect through Thursday as seas could reach 8-10 feet, with waters remaining rough.
Weather-wise, we will see breezy northeast winds will gusts up to 25 mph. Drier air wrapping around the west side of Erin will filter into the area Tuesday afternoon, keeping rain chances moderate at 30-40%.
Temperatures remain hot, with highs in the low to mid-90s and heat indices peaking at 100–105 degrees.
Looking ahead from Thursday into the weekend, Erin will move away, but beach hazards will linger.
A ridge of high pressure builds in, bringing a return of moisture and a stronger chance of afternoon storms, mainly along the east coast.
Beware as rip current risks will remain elevated into the weekend, with seas and surf conditions improving slowly.