Although Tropical Storm Imelda is forecast to stay out in the Atlantic, it’s still generating hazardous surf conditions, the potential for beach erosion and localized flooding in vulnerable coastal areas in Daytona Beach, Volusia and Flagler, according to county officials and the National Weather Service.
On Monday, Sept. 29, Daytona Beach was under a high surf advisory and rip current statement in effect through 4 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne.
A wind advisory also is in effect in Daytona Beach through 4 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, for north to northwest winds of 20-30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph expected, the NWS states.
In Palm Coast, a high surf advisory also is in effect until 4 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, according to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville.
Palm Coast also is under a rip current statement until 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, for the potential of dangerous rip currents generated by large breaking waves of 7-11 feet.
TS Imelda dumps as much as 7 inches of rain in Daytona, Volusia, Flagler
Over the weekend, most areas in Volusia County received 1-2.5 inches of rainfall over the past 72 hours, including Daytona Beach, Edgewater and New Smyrna Beach, said Robert Haley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Melbourne.
The highest rain total was logged just north of Ormond Beach, which received 5-7 inches over the 72-hour weekend period, Haley said.
To the north, Flagler County reported rainfall totals that ranged from 2.5-4 inches in spots that included Flagler Beach and Palm Coast, Haley said.
Dangerous rip currents will be the biggest risk all along the Atlantic coast, including Volusia and Flagler counties, as the storm passes, Haley said.
“There’s a high risk of rip currents through Wednesday,” Haley said. “Those in the area need to stay out of the surf. It’s not a good time to be in the water.”
There’s also the potential for “minor to maybe moderate” beach erosion due to the combined impact of Imelda and powerful Hurricane Humberto, farther to the east in the Atlantic, Haley said.
The impact will depend on Imelda’s track, he said.
“There’s still some uncertainty about when it’s going to make that turn to the east,” Haley said. “The earlier it makes that eastward turn, the less impact there would be at the coast. Either way, rip currents and high surf is expected.”
Volusia officials monitoring Imelda’s potential impact
Volusia County officials are monitoring Tropical Storm Imelda as it travels along Florida’s east coast, according to a county news release.
Although Volusia County is no longer under a Tropical Storm Watch, residents and visitors are urged to stay informed and prepared as Imelda will still bring coastal hazards, breezy conditions and periods of rainfall, the county states.
Impacts from the storm have already begun and are expected to continue for about 24 hours, the county advised on Monday.
Most effects will be felt along the coast, where rainfall of 1-3 inches is anticipated, with localized totals of up to 4 inches possible if an outer rain band develops. Winds are forecast to range from 20-30 mph, with a small chance of gusts reaching 40 mph.
Hazardous marine conditions are also forecasted, creating a high risk of life-threatening rip currents. Surf breakers of 7-9 feet, nearshore waves of 6-13 feet, and offshore waves of 11-17 feet are expected, along with moderate beach erosion. The public is strongly advised to stay out of the ocean and exercise extreme caution near the shoreline, the county states.
Residents and business owners are encouraged to prepare for high winds by securing outdoor furniture, signage, garbage cans, and other loose items. Drivers should avoid roadways with standing water and remain alert for downed tree limbs or other debris that may obstruct travel.
Volusia residents in low-lying coastal areas should prepare for Imelda
While inland impacts are not expected, Volusia County residents in low-lying coastal areas near streams and canals are advised to take simple steps to prepare around their homes.
Keeping drainage culverts and street drains clear of debris, cleaning gutters and ensuring downspouts are working properly can reduce the chance of localized flooding.
Because conditions and forecasts can change quickly, residents and visitors countywide are encouraged to remain alert and check official sources regularly for the latest updates.
Resources include the county’s website at volusia.org, social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and Nextdoor, the Volusia County Emergency Management app, the Volusia Beaches app and the county’s e-newsletter at volusia.org/newsletter.
County officials will be monitoring the storm and provide updates as conditions evolve.
Volusia Sheriff Chitwood warns ‘not a good time to be in the water’
Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood took to social media over the weekend to urge residents and visitors to stay out of the water as the storm passes.
“Not a good time to be in the water, and the storm offshore is not going to make conditions any better,” Chitwood posted on Facebook. “Rip currents are strong, beach flags are red, and Volusia County lifeguards have made hundreds of rescues over the past several days.”
On Saturday, Sept. 27, a 51-year-old man from Indiana drowned after he was pulled out into the Atlantic and couldn’t make it back, Chitwood stated.
“Swimming in the ocean is not recommended right now,” Chitwood posted. “But anytime you’re in the water, remember to swim in front of a staffed lifeguard tower for safety.”
Daytona weather radar
Daytona Beach forecast
Monday, Sept. 29: A 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83 and nighttime low around 75. Windy, with a north-northeast wind 15-20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday, Sept. 30: A 60% chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 83 and nighttime low around 72. Windy, with a north wind 20-25 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday, Oct. 1: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82 and nighttime low around 73. Windy, with a north wind 15-20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Palm Coast forecast
Monday, Sept. 29: A 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82 and nighttime low around 76. Breezy, with a northeast wind 11-18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tuesday, Sept. 30: A 60% chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 82 and nighttime low around 74. Very windy, with a north wind 24-28 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday, Oct. 1: A 30% chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80 and nighttime low around 74. Windy, with a north wind 18-24 mph.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Tropical Storm Imelda generating hazardous beach conditions in Daytona, Volusia, Flagler
Reporting by Jim Abbott, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
