Additional Coverage:
- Florida residents urged to seek higher ground as major flood advisory hits three counties (irishstar.com)
Coastal Flood Advisory Issued for Several Florida Counties
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a coastal flood advisory for several Florida counties, including coastal Duval, Flagler, and northeast and southeast St. Johns.
The advisory is in effect from 1:27 p.m. Monday until 8 p.m.
Tuesday.
The NWS warns of potential flooding in lots, parks, and roads, with possible isolated road closures. Strong rip currents are also expected, posing a threat even to experienced swimmers.
Residents are advised to allow extra travel time and avoid driving through flooded areas or around barricades. Those near the coast should take precautions to protect their property and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Essential items to have on hand include water, food, a flashlight, and a portable radio.
The NWS also emphasizes the importance of swimming near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, individuals should remain calm, float, and avoid swimming against the current.
If possible, swim parallel to the shoreline. If escape is impossible, face the shore and signal for help.
Coastal flooding can cause immediate danger to life and property, and repeated exposure can lead to long-term infrastructure damage. The NWS issues different levels of warnings for coastal flooding.
A Coastal Flood Watch indicates potential flooding if predicted weather conditions develop. Residents in a watch zone should be prepared to move to higher ground if flooding occurs or warnings are issued.
Coastal flood advisories, like the one currently in effect, are issued when flooding is anticipated. This type of flooding isn’t always associated with heavy rainfall but can result from rising water levels in large bodies of water, such as oceans or the Great Lakes.
Powerful coastal storms and exceptionally high tides, known as king tides, can cause this type of flooding. King tides, sometimes called “sunny day flooding,” can cause flooding even in the absence of a storm due to rising sea levels and astronomical tide patterns.
The NWS urges extra caution at night, as the dangers of coastal flooding can be harder to detect in darkness. If you encounter coastal flooding, move inland immediately. Avoid staying near the coastline as water levels rise.