Tropical Storm Lee hammers South Walton beaches

September 4, 2011

Tropical Storm Lee produces strong rip currents and high surf Sept. 4. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Storm produces strong rip currents, beach erosion 

A high surf advisory is in effect until 7 a.m. Sept. 6 as strong winds and high surf conditions hammer South Walton Beaches.

On Sept. 4 Tropical Storm Lee inched its way onhore in Louisiana with sustained winds of 45 m.p.h. Lee will gradually weaken as it moves northeastward into Mississippi and Alabama Monday and Tuesday.

Large waves will continue to affect the Florida Panhandle beaches through Tuesday. Although the surf will be large, the strong winds will make the waves extremely difficult to surf.

RIP CURRENTS ARE LIFE THREATENING TO ANYONE ENTERING THE WATER. For more information go to: swfd.org

Forecast Sept. 4: This Afternoon: Rain and possibly a thunderstorm. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. High near 84. Breezy, with a south southeast wind around 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Tonight: Rain likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. Cloudy, with a low around 77. Breezy, with a south southeast wind between 15 and 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Labor Day: Rain and possibly a thunderstorm. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. High near 85. Windy, with a south wind between 20 and 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

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