Strong winds, heavy rains expected to lash Space Coast, east Central Florida
Heavy rains and strong gusts from a low pressure system off of south Florida have prompted several weather advisories — including a gale warning for ships, with waves between 8 feet and 13 feet — that could last into Friday for Brevard and surrounding counties.
A flood watch, which means conditions are favorable for flooding, is in effect through 8 p.m. as rainbands from the system lash against the Eastern Seaboard.
The National Weather Service also issued a wind advisory through 7 p.m. Thursday, noting that East Central Florida will see winds of up to 20 to 30 mph, with gusts of up to 45 mph. Winds will be even stronger along the Treasure Coast, with gusts of up to 60 mph through Thursday afternoon.
That means also tourists, residents and other beachgoers will need to be mindful of the wind-whipped surf pounding area beaches and the strong rip currents being formed as a result. Motorists should also use cause on roads with ponding waters, weather officials report.
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The weather service reports breaking waves of up to 6 to 9 feet along parts of the Space Coast.
“There’s also a gale force warning for Brevard county waters, with east winds 20-to 30 knots and gusts of up to 40 knots,” said Kole Fehling, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Melbourne.
“The strong winds could capsize boats and cause damage."
The rains and strong winds are the result of a low pressure system pushing into the Atlantic off of the coast of south Florida. The rains have already caused some flooding in parts of south Florida. The winds have also left behind some fallen trees and other damages.
The rain is expected to linger in Brevard through Friday before clearing out by nightfall.
J.D. Gallop is a criminal justice/breaking news reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@floridatoday.com. X/Twitter: @JDGallop.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Wind, rain, flood advisories hit Brevard, Central Florida
