ORLANDO, Fla. – Dangerous beach and marine conditions are setting in across Central Florida as Tropical Storm Imelda tracks northward just offshore.
Although the storm is staying out at sea, it’s already causing serious impacts along our coast, with risks sticking around through the majority of the week.
Wind Forecast
Expect strong, gusty winds Monday, especially near the coast, where speeds could hit 40 mph. A Wind Advisory is in effect from for Volusia and Brevard counties through Monday night. Inland areas will also feel breezy conditions, with gusts near 30 mph.
[VIDEO BELOW: Imelda threatens beach erosion in Florida]
Rain Forecast
Scattered rain showers (40-60%) will move onshore throughout the day, with some areas picking up around an inch of rain. A few spots could see localized flooding if heavy showers persist.
Marine Conditions
Beachgoers and boaters along Central Florida should prepare for extremely dangerous conditions through midweek as Tropical Storm Imelda tracks offshore.
[VIDEO BELOW: Imelda prompts cruise ship changes]
Along the beaches, surf is building to 6 to 10 feet, with occasional sets reaching even higher, creating life-threatening rip currents and moderate beach erosion.
A High Risk of Rip Currents and a High Surf Advisory are in effect, and everyone is urged to stay out of the ocean.
At sea, conditions are just as hazardous. Northeast to north winds of 20 to 30 knots will create seas of 8 to 10 feet, with occasional waves up to 13 feet, growing even higher overnight. By Tuesday, seas could reach 13 to 17 feet, with very rough waters.
[BELOW: Learn how to track tropics on News 6 Weather App]
Tuesday
Looking ahead, conditions will gradually improve as Imelda moves further out into the Atlantic. Winds will ease slightly but remain breezy, especially along the Volusia and northern Space Coast. Scattered showers will linger, mostly east of I-95, but drier air should limit heavy rain and thunderstorm activity.
Wednesday-Friday
From Wednesday through the weekend, the weather will remain breezy with mostly dry conditions midweek, before moisture and rain chances increase again Friday into the weekend. Temperatures will stay in the low to mid-80s.
However, beach and marine hazards will persist. Large swells from distant Hurricane Humberto are expected to keep seas rough and rip currents dangerous through the end of the week.
Hurricane season runs through November.