3:24 AM Update: FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. -- The rain continues downtown Fernandina Beach. It isn't heavy, but fairly consistent. The winds are still whipping as well. Conditions calmed down for a short time, but appear to be picking up again. We drove around town and found several streets without power. Crews are out working to evaluate and fix the damage. There are several downed trees and limbs, some blocking entire streets. Patio furniture is also scattered across roadways. Ponding is also popping up on many area roadways. A parking lot next to Fernandina Beach looked more like the beach than a place to park as the winds drove the sand inland. At this hour, there isn't much activity otherwise from the community. Most are hunkered down.
10:50 PM Update: Winds have picked up so much, we are unable to walk out toward the water. If you don't have a structure to your north, it is literally impossible to stand. The conditions are so bad our satellite truck can't hold the signal, forcing us to retreat further away from the ocean.
FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. -- The rain returned in Fernandina Beach. It came down this time slightly harder than an hour ago. The beach again cleared of onlookers who all left to seek shelter. The squall only lasted a few minutes and now the sun is once again trying to return. The waves look like they're growing and the winds are whipping.
FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. -- The sun is trying to re-appear at Fernandina Beach and the rain has moved out as quickly as it arrived. As soon as the rain subsided, families and vacationers returned to the shoreline. A few kids are dipping their toes in, but no one is swimming. Most are just taking pictures of the high waves. The winds are still very strong. Most have grabbed a sweater. The temperature dropped after the rain moved through.
FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. -- The rain has arrived at Fernandina Beach and the winds have picked up. It has also drastically dropped in temperature. Everyone that had been watching from the beach has run for cover. The sky is grey and there is no sign of the storm letting up. But with Beryl not expected to make landfall until tonight, this is only just the beginning. Several folks in town vacationing say they plan to hang out near the beach as long as possible to watch the action.
FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla - The winds are already very strong along the beach here. And the waves are noticeably intense. A few kids are playing in the water just off the shoreline but no one is venturing out very far. Lots of folks are lining the beach's edge to take in the sights. The sky is grey and its clear Beryl is approaching.
Many of the homes along the ocean have bare balconies - indicating homeowners and renters are already taking precautions.
