Strong Winds and Pounding Surf to Continue the Next Few Days

An unusual weather pattern is setting up with 2 strong weather systems taking
shape. First... a large area of cool and dry high pressure is situated across
the mid Atlantic states. It is nosing down into the area bringing well below
normal temperatures. Yesterday... we set an all time record low maximum
temperature for the day at 66. The old record was set in 1875 at 71. Also...
a fairly potent upper level system is spinning across Florida with a surface
low over the Bahamas.

All of this is leading to a pinched and strong pressure gradient between the
2 systems creating a very strong onshore flow.

A wind advisory is in effect for the coast of the coastal empire and low country
through Wednesday morning. Winds should average from 25 to 35 mph with gusts
as high as 40 to 45 mph possible on the Atlantic beaches. This will bring a high
risk of dangerous rip currents with seas running 7-10 feet today and breakers
on the shore building to 4-7 feet. Also… gale warnings are in effect and these
could linger all the way into Thursday.

A prolonged period of strong coastal winds… high seas and rough surf…
a possibility of minor coastal flooding at times of high tide…
and significant beach erosion are all likely.

The storm will track across south Florida today and then into the southeast Gulf
of Mexico Wednesday. The storm will linger in the Gulf of Mexico through the
end of the week.

There will be a chance for a few showers beginning this afternoon near the coast.
All areas have a chance for a few showers tonight and Wednesday. There is a
small possibility for some heavy rain pushing in for Wednesday night and
Thursday.

Dangerous conditions are expected along area beaches and on the marine waters.
Everyone is encouraged to remain out of the water.

Here is the coastal breakdown………

***GALE WARNING LIKELY THROUGH AT LEAST WEDNESDAY

Winds…. NE 25-30 kts gusting to 40 kts through Wednesday. East 20-25 kts gusting to 30 kts Thursday.

Seas…. 7-10 feet today. 7-9 feet Wednesday. 6-8 feet Thursday.

Surf and breakers…. 4-7 feet today. 4-7 feet Wednesday. 3-6 feet Thursday.

Rip Current Risk…. High through at least Wednesday.

Beach Erosion…. A strong onshore flow and building seas should yield moderate
to severe beach erosion along the beaches today and continuing through
at least Wednesday.