JACKSONVILLE, Fla -- Onshore east to northeast winds will continue to strengthen the next few days as hurricane "Sandy" moves northward across Cuba then into the Bahamas and about to Jacksonville's latitude -- but 300+ miles to the east -- Saturday. The big story will be the danger at our area beaches with a very high rip current risk along with rough seas and surf.
The best advice is to not go into the water under any circumstances. Winds of 15-25 mph with higher gusts -- especially at and near the coast -- will occur Thursday through Saturday with peak winds Friday into Saturday when gusts could reach or exceed 40 mph at area beaches. Winds will become offshore from the north/northwest through the day Saturday then slowly diminish Sunday. A few showers will move across the area from time to time with the best chance for much accumulation will be confined to and near the coast. Temperatures will continue to be warm with highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s and 70s.
