JACKSONVILLE -- A tropical storm WARNING continues for Flagler Beach north to St. Augustine for the possibility of wind gusts to and above 40 mph. Sustained winds of 40 mph are not likely, & all watches & warnings for the First Coast should be discontinued by at least late this afternoon. Bands of heavy rain will continue just offshore & east of the beaches & coast this morning then move away this afternoon. Though Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia will be on the very outer edge of Sandy's wide wind circulation, there will still be some profound impacts -- mainly at the beaches and along the St. Johns River. Boaters, swimmers and surfers should all use extra caution through the weekend. It's recommended that no one venture into the water due to dangerous currents and -- at the coast -- hazardous rip currents. Winds will stay strong but skies will gradually become partly cloudy as "Sandy" moves northeast at about Jacksonville's latitude midday today but 350+ miles to the east. Expect some beach erosion and coastal flooding, especially at high tide at the coast but few effects inland other than gusty winds. It will dry, windy & mild for the Ga./Fl. football game this afternoon. Click
here to go to the First Alert Hurricane Center.
