Rain, higher-than-normal tides may cause coastal flooding in Volusia, Flagler, NWS advises

Mark Harper, The Daytona Beach News-Journal
·2 min read
A coastal flood advisory has been issued for Volusia and Flagler counties starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 3, 2023, and continuing through 2 a.m. Tuesday, June 6.
A coastal flood advisory has been issued for Volusia and Flagler counties starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 3, 2023, and continuing through 2 a.m. Tuesday, June 6.

With rain starting Saturday afternoon and higher-than-normal tides expected, the National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood advisory covering both Volusia and Flagler counties.

The advisory goes into effect at 6 p.m. Saturday and continues through 2 a.m. Tuesday for "all Central Florida Atlantic beaches, but especially Volusia County, which remains particularly vulnerable due to leftover coastal damage from hurricanes Ian and Nicole," the advisory states.

After hundreds of millions of dollars worth of damage to properties along the Volusia and Flagler county coasts, a massive rebuilding effort has been underway. But many projects remain uncompleted. As of May 23, for instance, Volusia County reported that 45 beach walkovers (out of 141 total) remained closed, while another 17 (of 37) vehicle access ramps had yet to be opened.

Ian and Nicole: 6 months later, Volusia recovery marked by successes, frustration, hope

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For low-lying property owners, the time to be most vigilant is at high tide, with the highest tides of the day in Daytona Beach coming at 8:18 p.m. Saturday, 9:06 p.m. Sunday and 9:56 p.m. Monday.

Beach erosion and some flooding of low-lying lots, parks and roadways are possible, the advisory states. Road closures are expected to remain isolated.

The National Weather Service forecast calls for a 40% chance of thunderstorms Saturday night, with showers also possible. The showers become more likely on Sunday, building to an 80% chance of thunderstorms Sunday night. There's a 50% chance of showers on Monday.

Volusia County beach safety officers are warning swimmers about the conditions of the Atlantic Ocean, where "highly dangerous rip current conditions are expected."

Dangerous rip current conditions are expected on Volusia County beaches through the weekend. Beach Safety officials are urging "extreme caution" near the ocean and recommend always swimming in front of a staffed lifeguard tower.
Dangerous rip current conditions are expected on Volusia County beaches through the weekend. Beach Safety officials are urging "extreme caution" near the ocean and recommend always swimming in front of a staffed lifeguard tower.

Beach Safety officers and lifeguards executed 301 rescues over the Memorial Day weekend, with high surf and rip currents present.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: National Weather Service warns of possible coastal floods in Volusia