NWS Issues High Surf Advisory for Treasure Coast Beaches

HIGH SURF ADVISORY and HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK are in effect for Treasure Coast beaches through early Monday morning, the National Weather Service Melbourne office announced Friday afternoon.

The alerts cover all coastal areas of Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin counties. NWS Melbourne issued the advisory at 2:22 p.m. Friday, with the rip current risk running from Saturday morning through late Sunday night and the High Surf Advisory extending from 8 p.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Monday.

TODAY: Conditions are building ahead of the advisory period. Elevated seas are expected to intensify through the evening. High near the upper 70s. Rain chance near 20%.

TONIGHT: Surf increases significantly after 8 p.m. as the advisory takes effect. Low near 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

THIS WEEK: Hazardous surf and rip current conditions persist through Sunday night before conditions improve early Monday. Beachgoers should monitor NWS Melbourne for any advisory extensions.

ON THE WATER: Large breaking waves of six to 10 feet are expected in the surf zone, according to NWS Melbourne. Offshore anglers and nearshore boaters should exercise extreme caution. Morning fishing windows Saturday carry elevated risk — conditions deteriorate through the afternoon and evening. According to available information,

ALERTS: - HIGH SURF ADVISORY — Coastal Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin counties. In effect 8 p.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Monday. Breaking waves of six to 10 feet expected in the surf zone. Localized beach erosion is possible. - HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK — Same coastal counties. In effect Saturday morning through late Sunday night. Rip currents can sweep even strong swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

Swimmers and surfers are urged to stay out of the water during the advisory period. If caught in a rip current, NWS advises swimming parallel to shore rather than against the current. Beachgoers should use only beaches with lifeguard coverage this weekend. Early Saturday morning before conditions deteriorate — or waiting until after Monday's 2 a.m. advisory expiration — represents the safest window for water activity along the Treasure Coast.

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