Nor'easter continues; high seas block SJC beaches

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – With clouds coming onshore accompanied by strong northeasterly winds, temperatures will stay moderate Tuesday and the chance of getting caught in a passing shower is 50/50, according to Channel 4 meteorologist Rebecca Barry.

The strong winds put coastal areas under a high surf advisory and neighboring inland counties under lake wind advisories. Minor coastal flooding is expected near times of high tide.  There was some flooding in downtown St. Augustine about 10 a.m., and there could be more anywhere along the coast tonight.

Due to 7- to 9-foot tides and heavy surf kicked up by northeast winds, St. Johns County has restricted vehicle access to its beaches through Wednesday.

St. Johns County removed trash containers and other infrastructure from its beaches during low tide on Monday. For information about SJC beach access, call Beach Manager Billy Zeits at 904-209-0322.

Duval County has also removed lifeguard stands and other objects from its beaches due to the abnormally high tides.

Some residents in Vilano Beach blame beach the erosion that is happening from beach renourishment projects the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers does.

"Every time that happens, we lose beach," resident Bill Nesbit said. "It's been happening every time over 20 years. I mean, it doesn't take a PhD to figure that one out."

"Well, you never know with these nor'easter's," resident Chuck Butler said. "It could come, it could go. Their changing of the tide could take it out."


About the Author:

Jim Piggott is the reporter to count on when it comes to city government and how it will affect the community.