St. Johns County closes beaches to traffic

National Weather Service issues rip current, small craft advisories

ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH, Fla. – St. Johns County officials have closed its beaches to traffic due to high tides and rough seas caused by northerly winds from the remnants of Tropical Storm Karen that is now off the Carolina coast.

The storm is generating 7- to 9-foot seas offshore, abnormally high tides and dangerous surf conditions.

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The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office said there are no issues with flooding or damage to homes, but vehicles are not being allowed on the beach from St. Augustine Beach south to the Flagler County line until further notice.

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather statement warning of an enhanced rip current threat cause by brisk northerly winds generating a strong southward current. Surf conditions were expected to deteriorate Wednesday afternoon.

A small craft advisory is in effect for the east-central Florida coast.

The beach is expected to reopen to traffic Friday.