Red flags flying today

Tropical storm Don brings rough conditions to the beaches of South Walton July 28, 2011.  The bumpy/choppy surf conditions this morning are a windy swell building a bit this afternoon into SSE winds 10-15 knots.

South Walton Fire District advises staying close to shore.  Even though the wave heights are only around 2 feet, there WILL BE some strong rip currents across our beaches today.

Rip current risk: high…a high risk of rip currents means that wind, wave and tidal conditions all support the development of strong and dangerous rip currents. Lake washouts and soft edges of sand bars can also add to rip current development. Rip currents have the potential to form very quickly at any location across the Beaches of South Walton. Deep channels between the sand bars are where the water brought in from the wave action funnels back out. If you are unsure if rip currents are present, please check with a lifeguard, or stay on the shore. Strong rip currents can take even the strongest swimmers away from shore. Please pay attention to the beach flags, if you are unsure whether rip currents are present, otherwise stay on the shore. There are also jellyfish present across our beaches.

Daily surf conditions and up to date beach safety flags can be seen at http://www.swfd.org/beach.php.  For current Santa Rosa Beach weather conditions as well as our live Ed Walline and Rosemary Beach cam please visit http://www.swfd.org/weather.php.