As the first cold front passes through Florida, humidity and temperatures are expected to fall.
However, along the Atlantic coast, strong winds and high tides are combining to increase the risk of flooding in low-lying coastal areas, even without significant rainfall.
The arrival of cooler weather does not mean the risks at beaches or on flooded roads can be taken lightly.
3-Line Summary
1. The first cold front is approaching Florida
2. Strong winds and high waves are expected along the coast
3. Cooler weather and coastal hazards must be considered together
Northeast Winds and Full-Moon Tides Converge Along the East Coast
According to a September 24 report by WGCU, the cold front moving through southern Florida is connected to a low-pressure system that will bring northeast winds over the weekend and into early next week. As winds blow from the north-northeast, dry air will move in, making afternoon thunderstorms less likely and bringing lower humidity.
The problem is that these winds will raise wave heights and sea levels along Florida’s east coast. Along the northeastern coast, sustained winds of 20~25 miles per hour and gusts of up to 35 miles per hour were expected through Friday, while a small craft advisory was in effect for Atlantic coastal waters until early Saturday.
High astronomical tides caused by the full moon will also coincide with the system. So-called king tides can make high tide higher than usual, meaning that water can reach coastal areas and roads near urban centers even without rainfall. WGCU reported that seawater mixed with sewage could rise onto streets around downtown Miami and advised people not to approach flooded roads.
Volusia County Coastal Flood Advisory and High Surf at Beaches
The Orlando Sentinel reported, citing the Melbourne office of the U.S. National Weather Service, that a coastal flood advisory had been issued for central Florida’s Volusia County for Thursday afternoon and evening. Minor to moderate flooding could occur in low-lying coastal areas, parks, piers, and roads.
The same report indicated that a high surf advisory and a high risk of rip currents would continue at all Atlantic beaches through the weekend. Northerly winds will blow at 10~15 miles per hour, with gusts potentially reaching 30 miles per hour. Even if the weather at the beach appears clear, that does not mean the risk of rip currents has disappeared.
The temperature change is clear. WGCU reported that from Saturday morning through Monday morning, temperatures in parts of Florida could be 5~7 degrees Fahrenheit below normal, with lows reaching around 66~67 degrees Fahrenheit. In Tallahassee, temperatures are expected to fall into the upper 50s Fahrenheit between Friday night and Saturday morning. In southern Florida, daytime temperatures will remain near normal in the upper 80s Fahrenheit, but lower humidity is expected to make conditions feel more comfortable.
The key point in this change is the coastal conditions rather than the temperatures themselves. Dry air and sunshine may be welcome signals for outdoor activities, but along the east coast, high waves, rip currents, and tidal flooding risks may continue simultaneously.
References
Tags #FloridaWeather #ColdFront #CoastalFlooding #HighSurf #RipCurrents #KingTide #TidalFlooding #MiamiWeather #VolusiaCounty #AtlanticBeaches #NortheastWinds #SmallCraftAdvisory