Nor'easter update: Not too bad today and ends tonight

Heavy Surf, Coastal Flood Warning and High Rip Current Risk continue (for now)

Dangers continue but nor'easter fades quickly.

Jacksonville, Fla. – Waking up this morning, the anticipated nor'easter doesn't seem all that bad. Yes, coastal warnings remain in effect (for now), but a quick check of area winds, surf, tides and conditions are not all that severe. Yes, rip currents are still a real threat and most should remain out of the ocean, surfers will have some waves today. 

Rains are still likely to come ashore, impacting coastal counties. Keep an umbrella with you, especially this morning.

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Coastal nor'easter conditions are hitting the area today. Impacts have pushed saltwater 1-2 feet above normal which can cause minor coastal flooding at the beaches during high tide this morning. High today is on the 8's (a.m. and p.m.)

Gale warnings remain in effect for all coastal communities. This seems to be a stretch as most coastal winds are under 20 mph. Just a reminder, a Gale Warning is the equivalent of a lower end Topical Storm Warning. 

With the lower winds, the anticipated large surf, coastal flooding, beach erosion are not occurring.

Yet, best to stay out of the Atlantic Ocean until conditions improve on Saturday.  Actually, both Saturday and Sunday look good, although not perfect.

The current list of warnings, watches, advisories and statements.

Gale Warning for winds to 40 mph.

Coastal Flood Warning- High tides up to 2 feet above normal. High tide is at 7:37 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Heavy Surf Advisory - Surf up to 7 feet Friday morning, very sloppy waves.

High Rip Current Risk

Morning winds are not that strong as showers abate.

So many planned events this weekend, how will they be impacted?

Many Thanksgiving Weekend activities planned throughout the area and the impact will be only modest.  Keep an umbrella handy but most activities will be met by some sunshine here today.

This evening the Jacksonville Landing will have it’s annual Christmas Tree lighting which begins at 6:30 p.m. The actual tree lighting is around 8:20 p.m. and it will be followed by fireworks. Winds may play a factor in the fireworks launching. At this point only a few gusts of wind to 20 mph and a scattered shower is possible.

On Saturday, the Gators and Noles will meet for their annual rivalry game at noon, this year they will play in Tallahassee. The weather in Tallahassee will be far better there. Some sunshine, light winds and highs near 70°. Down right pleasant weather!

Here at home, people will flock to the Light Boat Parade, which runs from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. This will be downtown and culminate in another firework display, this time, a curtain of fireworks from the Acosta Bridge around 8:30 p.m The weather will be vastly better! A rather pleasant Saturday evening in Jacksonville.


About the Authors:

Richard Nunn is the Weather Authority Chief Meteorologist

After covering the weather from every corner of Florida and doing marine research in the Gulf, Mark Collins settled in Jacksonville to forecast weather for The First Coast.