Central Florida is heading into a windy and unsettled weekend, with some of the biggest concerns along our coast. Strong northeast winds will bring increasingly dangerous surf, coastal flooding and beach erosion, while rain chances climb through Sunday.
Saturday: Winds Increase as Coastal Conditions Deteriorate
Winds begin to pick up Saturday, with sustained speeds from the NE of 15 to 20 mph and gusts reaching 30 to 35 mph. Temperatures will climb into the upper 70s and lower 80s, but increasing clouds and passing showers will make for an unsettled day, especially along the coast.
Rain chances will be highest near the beaches and across our northern counties, although some showers will make their way inland.
The bigger concern will be the rapidly deteriorating conditions along our coastline.
A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect through Saturday for portions of our coast, with a Coastal Flood Watch extending into Monday. Strong northeast winds, combined with higher astronomical tides, will push water toward the shoreline, increasing the risk of coastal flooding and beach erosion.
A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect across our Atlantic waters, with Gale Watches taking effect late Saturday into Sunday and continuing through Monday.
Seas will continue building through the weekend, making conditions increasingly dangerous for boaters.
Sunday: Stronger Winds, Higher Rain Chances
Sunday looks to be the windiest and wettest day of the weekend.
Northeast winds could reach 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 to 45 mph. We certainly could see wind advisories issued this weekend.
Rain chances will increase to 70% to 80% along the coast, with scattered showers also pushing inland. A few thunderstorms will be possible.
The Weather Prediction Center has placed much of our coastal area under a Level 1 out of 4 threat for excessive rainfall. Repeated rounds of showers could produce localized flooding, especially where heavier bands of rain move over the same areas.
Meanwhile, dangerous conditions will continue along our beaches. Breaking waves could build to 7 to 12 feet, with a high risk of rip currents, moderate to major beach erosion and minor to moderate coastal flooding.
Sunday and Monday morning high tides will be especially concerning for coastal flooding.
Entering the ocean is strongly discouraged this weekend. Even walking along the beach could become hazardous, especially around high tide as large waves push farther up the shoreline.
Offshore, seas could reach 12 to 15 feet late this weekend into early next week.
Next Week: Still Breezy, but Fewer Showers
Gusty northeast winds will continue into Monday, along with the chance for a few quick-moving showers, especially near the coast.
Rain chances will gradually decrease as we move through the week, although a few passing coastal showers will remain possible.
Afternoon temperatures will hover around 80 degrees each day, keeping much of Central Florida a little cooler than normal for late October.
While conditions inland should become quieter, hazardous surf and boating conditions could linger well into next week. Beach erosion and coastal flooding will remain concerns as persistent northeast winds continue pushing water toward the coast.