Weekend Cold Front Could Bring Rough Surf & Erosion To Volusia Beaches

Volusia County, FL - Volusia County beach officials and forecasters with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Melbourne say that Volusia County residents should get ready for a weekend cold front, bringing in rough surf, and some possible beach erosion. The NWS in Melbourne says the cold front should be working its way to Central Florida Thursday night, bringing potential wind gusts of at least five to ten miles per hour and possibly up to 20 miles per hour Thursday through Sunday. Randy Lascody, a senior forecaster with NWS Melbourne, says that Saturday morning low temperatures could reach into the low 50's, and the highs might only reach into the 70's in the Daytona Beach area. The cold front is expected to last through the weekend and possibly through the beginning of next week. "This is going to be some of the coolest weather since January, so it will be a noticeable change after a very warm February," says Lascody.

(Forecast courtesy NWS Melbourne)

"The main impact to the coastline is going to be just very large breaking waves," explains Lascody, "There will be a concern for some beach erosion all along the east coast of Florida." He adds that the high winds could take a lot of sand away from the beaches. Volusia County beach officials warn that this weekend, there could be some dangerous beach conditions and that novice surfers and paddlers should not be in the ocean. Beachgoers should swim near a lifeguard, and parents should always accompany children. "Even if it doesn't look too choppy, there's gonna be large breaking waves, which usually will make the rip current danger very high, so it's not gonna be a good beach weekend," says Lascody. A news release from Volusia County Community Information says beach officials expect the surf to reach about four to five feet on Saturday, building to seven to 11 feet on Sunday. Officials will fly the single red flag through Sunday, which means hazardous water conditions, such as rip currents, are expected at Volusia County beaches. If large debris is found in the water, the double-red flag may be flown, which means no one is permitted in the water. Featured photo courtesy SandiMako and Shutterstock.com. Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2018.