High surf advisory, high rip current risk issued for coastal Northeast Florida

ST JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Action News Jax Chief Meteorologist Mike Buresh and National Weather Service are tracking dangerous rip currents along the coast.

A high surf advisory is in effect in Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, and Flagler County, including the beaches of Yulee, Fernandina Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Palm Valley, Fruit Cove, St. Augustine, St. Augustine South, and Palm Coast until 11 p.m. Thursday. A high rip current risk is in effect through Thursday night.

St. Johns County officials said tidal flooding from strong tides and onshore winds has forced closures of several vehicle on-ramps.

A Street - Temporarily closed

Ocean Trace - 4WD recommended

Dondanville - 4WD recommended

Matanzas Avenue - 4WD recommended

Mary Street - 4WD recommended

Crescent - 4WD recommended

Ft. Matanzas - Exit Only

Vilano - Temporarily closed

Porpoise Point - Temporarily closed

Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore—which according to NWS typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. As of Wednesday afternoon, the rip current risk level is high, meaning life-threatening rip currents are likely. Surfers and experienced swimmers are advised to stay out of the water.

So far in 2022, there have been three deaths linked to rip currents in Florida.