Florida Weather Alert: Rip Currents and 8-Foot Seas Threaten Gulf Coast Through Sunday

TALLAHASSEE, Florida — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Tallahassee has issued warnings for life-threatening rip currents and hazardous seas along the Florida Panhandle, urging swimmers and boaters to exercise extreme caution through Sunday night.

Red Flags Flying Along Panhandle Beaches

A high risk of rip currents is in effect for Franklin County beaches, including St. George Island, where surf near three feet is already creating dangerous conditions. Officials stress that even strong swimmers could be pulled away from shore. Red flags have been posted, warning beachgoers to stay out of the water.

8-Foot Seas and Small Craft Advisory

For mariners, a Small Craft Advisory covers Gulf waters from the Okaloosa-Walton County line eastward to the Suwannee River. Persistent northeast winds of 20 to 30 knots are expected to drive offshore seas as high as 5 to 8 feet, creating dangerous conditions for smaller boats. “Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions,” the Weather Service warned.

Safety Reminders for Residents and Visitors

Beach safety experts remind visitors to always check posted flags before entering the water and to remember key survival tactics if caught in a rip current: swim parallel to shore until free, then return safely to land.

Officials are also urging boaters and beachgoers to monitor local forecasts before heading out and to take the advisories seriously to avoid accidents this weekend.

The combination of high surf, strong winds, and rip currents will continue to make conditions along the Florida Panhandle treacherous through Sunday night. For more weather alerts and safety updates, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.