JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – We’re seeing some active days ahead for Jacksonville and the coast as Tropical Storm Imelda and Hurricane Humberto are making waves—literally—across our area.
Imelda is expected to stay offshore, making a sharp turn to the east-northeast. That’s thanks to stronger steering currents out there, pushed along in part by the circulation around Hurricane Humberto, which remains a major hurricane but is also staying out to sea.
The Carolinas can expect some heavy rain, but here along the southeast coast—including Jacksonville—we’re tracking rough surf, dangerous rip currents and gusty winds.
Hazardous surf and rip currents
I’m watching those wave heights closely on Exact Track 4D.
Offshore, we’re forecast to see waves from 12-17 feet, while onshore conditions will bring surf from about 5-7 feet, and that’s going to stick around through Friday.
If you surf, this is probably your Super Bowl, but please, be careful! Even strong swimmers aren’t immune to powerful rip currents, and the risk is high all along the coastline this week.
Boaters should know there’s a small craft advisory as well. Sustained winds are expected around 19 mph or so, but gusts could easily hit into the 30s.
If you have great beach photos or see dramatic waves, I’d love for you to share them through SnapJAX. Just please, stay safe when near the water.
Spotty rain, breezy days in the week ahead
Here’s what to expect inland. Showers are popping up across spots like Palatka, St. Augustine, Gainesville and Fernandina Beach, but it’s not a total washout.
The showers have been pretty sporadic, so some places will see a quick downpour, but most of us will just get breezy and cloudy weather.
Wind gusts are likely to range from the teens up to the 30s, especially around lunchtime and right as the kids are coming home from school.
The rain will add up over the week, but nothing extreme is expected—maybe around 4 inches at the coast and 3 inches in Jacksonville, spread out over several days.
Highs today are expected in the low to mid-80s, with mornings starting off in the mid-70s.
You can expect the highest rain chances today and tomorrow, with a gradual shift to the lower 80s and slightly drier conditions as we head to Thursday and Friday.