JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After a relatively dry day on Wednesday, the weather pattern will turn unsettled once again as we head through Thursday into the upcoming weekend.
A developing area of low pressure offshore will bring more wind, a high risk for rip currents and coastal flooding.
This system is a Nor’easter (which gets its name from the northeasterly wind) and will impact not only us here in Florida, but all along the east coast.
Flooding threat
With river levels already elevated over the past few weeks, additional flooding is likely.
As the northeasterly wind strengthens on Thursday, this will push ocean water into the coast and into the St Johns River.
As a result, moderate tidal flooding is expected along the coast and St. Johns River basin. Additional coastal flood watches and warnings may be required.
We are not concerned with flooding in association with rainfall, more so tidal flooding.
Thursday’s high tide:
- Vilano Beach: 10:51 AM EDT.
- St Augustine Beach: 10:15 AM EDT.
- Fernandina Beach: 11:09 AM EDT.
- Mayport Naval Station: 10:39 AM EDT.
- Jacksonville Beach: 10:12 AM EDT.
Remember, tidal coastal flooding can be experienced one to two hours before and after high tide.
Wind threat
A Wind Advisory is in effect along the coast from Thursday afternoon through Sunday morning.
Winds will be sustained between 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph at times. Winds that strong can make driving difficult for high-profile vehicles.
The strong wind will create hazardous seas through the weekend with wave heights over 8 feet possible.