Imelda\u2019s biggest impacts at the coast<\/p>\n
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.<\/strong> \u2013 Tropical Storm Imelda is here, and if you\u2019re heading to Jacksonville beaches today, you\u2019ll notice the effects right away. I\u2019m seeing gusty winds, rough surf, and the kind of choppy, \u201cdirty\u201d water that makes it tough for anyone\u2014especially swimmers. The risks are high and not going anywhere soon.<\/p>\n The waves are running between 5 and 7 feet right now across our stretch of beach, and the Exact Track 4D radar backs it up with wave maps showing a lot of motion out there. A high risk of rip currents is in place for our entire coast. Please, if you aren\u2019t a strong swimmer, stay out of the water. These conditions aren\u2019t just tough, they\u2019re dangerous.<\/p>\n The ocean just isn\u2019t in a friendly mood, and I can tell you it\u2019s going to stay this way for a while longer. The surf is rough, and it\u2019s not the kind that tempts surfers\u2014expect churned-up, messy breakers instead of clean lines.<\/p>\n Wind forecast: what to expect<\/p>\n As for the winds, they\u2019re already whipping around the flagpoles at Morningstar Marinas and all along the coast. Right now, sustained winds are coming in between the teens and 20s, with gusts expected to reach 30 to almost 40 miles per hour along the beaches, especially in the morning.<\/p>\n Those gusty conditions are likely to continue as the day goes on. While things are breezier on the coast, winds are forecast to pick up further inland through the afternoon hours. It\u2019s not the most comfortable day for a walk on the sand, and it could mean blowing sand or surprise gusts for anyone getting around outdoors.<\/p>\n Temperatures and storm chance today<\/p>\n Stepping outside early? Expect it to feel breezy and a bit cool, with temperatures at the bus stop right around 74 degrees. We\u2019re likely to hit 84 degrees by 3 p.m., and while a few quick showers or storms may pop up, it looks like some sunshine could break through at times as well.<\/p>\n Not everyone will get wet today, but it\u2019s smart to be ready for sudden changes, just in case. Most of our local area\u2014from the city to beach to spots like Macclenny\u2014are hanging in the low to mid-70s this morning according to the latest temperature map.<\/p>\n Safety is the main message<\/p>\n Above all, safety comes first. I know that windy, rough beach days can be disappointing, but these conditions could have been a lot worse. Still, when it\u2019s this choppy and the rip currents are strong, the best move is to enjoy the beach from a safe spot out of the water.<\/p>\n