NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Subtropical Storm Beryl is dumping lots of rain along from Florida coastline on this Sunday afternoon.
Volusia County Emergency Management officials are in constant contact with the National Weather Service out of Melbourne for the latest on Beryl. As of 11:30 a.m. Sunday, the forecast track showed Beryl making landfall in northeast Florida late Sunday. with 45 mph winds and moderate rain fall. The possibility exists for Volusia County to experience 25 to 35 mph winds with gusts up to 45 mph., county spokeswoman Joanne Magley said.
Residents should secure loose, outdoor items and monitor local weather reports. There is a red flag warning in affect for rip currents, and ocean swimming conditions are hazardous. Winds and swells from Beryl will generate rough surf conditions that are dangerous for all levels of swimmers. Beach safety officials advise that beachgoers stay out of the water.
“Waves in just knee-deep water can slam you to the ocean floor,” Volusia County Beach Patrol Captain Tami Marris said, adding the Beach Patrol pulled 150 swimmers from the surf on Saturday.
Because of high afternoon tides and storm surge, the beach will be closed to vehicular traffic most of today and Monday. For more information on beach conditions, please call 386-239-SURF. Due to the small craft advisory in effect, the jet ski area in Daytona Beach Shores is closed. Ten to 13 foot waves are forecasted offshore and 8 - 10 foot waves near shore today and Monday. For more information on storm preparations, visit Volusia.org/emergency and click on “disaster preparedness guide.”