Dangerous coastal conditions, heavy rain threaten Volusia, Flagler this weekend

Volusia and Flagler counties are in for a weekend of severe weather, and local officials are asking residents to take the necessary precautions.

The biggest risk is along the coastline, where high winds and surf will make beach conditions extremely dangerous, with threats of beach erosion and coastal flooding, according to forecasters at the National Weather Service in Melbourne.

Inland communities are also expected to see weather effects, as possibly heavy rainfall is expected across both counties.

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Some outdoor weekend events have already been canceled and officials are starting to alert residents to the potential dangers the weekend weather.

Heavy rainfall expected throughout the weekend

The weather system, which will affect Central Florida and most of the state, is likely to bring between 2-3 inches of rain to the Daytona Beach area when the worst of it crosses over around 6 p.m. on Saturday, according to Zach Law, a meteorologist with the NWS.

“Localized areas could see up to 6 inches (of rain),” Law said, adding that the rainfall is likely to last until early Sunday morning.

Rain chances on Saturday night are 90% in Volusia County.

Officials with Volusia County Emergency Management are asking residents to take the necessary precautions now, which include cleaning out gutters and securing outdoor furniture and holiday decorations. They also ask residents to exercise extreme caution if roadways become covered in water.

Rain chances for Saturday night are almost 100% for Flagler County, with localized heavy rainfall also a possibility, according to the NWS.

Coastal flood warning, high surf in Daytona, Flagler areas

Law said the high surf and winds will make things “very dangerous” all weekend long at area beaches.

“It is not recommended to enter the water at all,” Law said. He also added to expect "large breaking waves of 6-10 feet through the entirety of the weekend.”

The risk of dangerous rip currents will also be high during the weekend.

Peak winds between Friday and Sunday will be in the 25-35 mph range for inland communities and 35-45 mph for coastal areas, according to the forecast.

Some low-lying coastal roads may be closed around high tides, according to the NWS. A coastal flood warning is in effect for Volusia County until Saturday morning.

"As significant rainfall and extreme tidal conditions are expected, we expect to see standing water over roads in low-lying areas," Volusia County spokesman Clayton Jackson wrote in an email Friday afternoon. "Drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution when traveling in these areas, comply with any road closure/detour signage, and avoid driving on roads covered with standing water."

Volusia County Emergency Management is also asking residents who decide to go the beach this weekend to play it safe.

“Officials recommend staying out of the water as conditions continue to deteriorate; however, if the decision is made to enter the water, a person should do so in front of a staffed lifeguard tower and remain in waist-deep water to firmly grasp the bottom,” county officials stated in a press release.

In Flagler County, Jonathan Lord, director of Flagler County Emergency Management, also cautioned residents.

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“Throughout the weekend, we expect to see continued elevated winds with gusts in the 35-45 mph range, surf in the 6-10 foot range, and tides running about 2 feet above normal,” Lord said.

High surf and beach erosion risk

The risk of beach erosion and coastal flooding are more likely to happen during high tide periods over the weekend, Law said.

High tide Saturday will be around mid-morning.

By 10 a.m. on Friday, Law said the live cameras on Volusia County beaches showed “water levels essentially all the way up to the dune line.”

Volusia officials said that “staff will continuously inspect walkovers and ramps for erosion, and access points may close temporarily.”

"The potential for coastal erosion at properties that have not implemented temporary or permanent protective measures since the 2022 hurricanes is heightened," Jackson wote. "Additionally, the likelihood of a substantial rain event increases the risk of further damage to coastal assets previously impacted by the hurricanes."

Jackson added that protective measures implemented by the county since last year's tropical storms Ian and Nicole "have demonstrated resilience against storms of a similar nature... alongside various protective efforts undertaken by residents."

Flagler County is “already seeing higher tides than average due to the lunar tidal cycle, and now due to onshore winds it will be elevated even more,” according to officials.

“Additionally, due to the elevated tides, there is a risk for some tidal flooding along the lowest areas of the Intracoastal through Saturday, as well as some likely beach erosion from this system,” Lord added.

Flagler County officials issued these preparedness tips to its residents:

• Secure any lightweight objects that could be blown around by the expected gusty winds, such as trash cans, small plants, lawn furniture, and holiday decorations.

• Those organizing or attending outdoor events should be vigilant about changes to the forecast, and secure things like pop-up tents and bounce castles.

• Those living in the lowest areas along the Intracoastal who typically experience tidal flooding may want to take extra precautions, like sandbagging. Sand and sandbags are available at Lowe’s and Home Depot, as well as some smaller local hardware stores, such as Ace.

Volusia County is encouraging residents to "ensure their mobile devices are set to receive emergency notifications and download the Volusia County Emergency Management app to receive real-time notifications and preparedness information."

Outdoor events canceled due to forecast

Some outdoor events scheduled for this weekend in Volusia and Flagler counties have been canceled due to the severe weekend weather.

The Christmas Boat Parade in Daytona Beach scheduled for this Saturday has been postponed, according to organizers.

The event will now happen Friday, Dec. 22.

“The parade route will be from Seabreeze Bridge south to the Chart House. It will start as usual around 6 p.m. and make its way south,” organizers said. “The parade is viewable anywhere along the river from start to end points.”

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The City of Palm Coast also canceled its Starlight Parade scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m.

“This difficult decision has been made in collaboration with our public safety and emergency management partners considering the anticipated severe weather conditions that pose a risk to the safety of both participants and spectators,” officials with the city announced. The Starlight Parade “will not take place this year,” officials added.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Volusia, Flager weather calls for dangerous coastal conditions