Coastal Alabama Faces Deadly Rip Currents as Hurricane Milton Strikes Florida!

Photo byNational Weather Service

Strong rip currents and high surf warnings are in effect for Alabama and Florida beaches as Hurricane Milton impacts the region.

Coastal Alabama and Florida Brace for Dangerous Rip Currents and High Surf as Hurricane Milton Nears Florida

Mobile, AL — Issued by the National Weather Service at 11:50 PM on October 8, 2024.

High Rip Current and Surf Risks as Hurricane Milton Approaches

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Mobile has issued a High Rip Current Risk and a High Surf Advisory for coastal Alabama and the Florida Panhandle through Thursday evening. With Hurricane Milton making landfall on the west-central Florida coast late Wednesday night, the storm will bring dangerous rip currents and high surf to Gulf beaches.

A High Surf Advisory is in effect starting 10 PM Wednesday, with surf heights expected to reach 4 to 6 feet. Beachgoers are urged to avoid the water, as strong rip currents could make swimming hazardous. Conditions will begin to improve by Friday as the storm moves inland and weakens, but risks will remain elevated until late Thursday.

Clear Skies and Cool Temperatures Inland

While coastal areas brace for rough seas, Middle and Southern Alabama will experience clear skies and dry weather for much of the week. Temperatures will remain cool overnight, with lows dipping into the mid-50s to lower 60s inland and upper 60s along the coast. Daytime highs will hover around the mid to upper 80s on Wednesday, providing a break from the stormy conditions along the shore.

The forecast calls for a cold front to move through by Monday, bringing cooler air and highs in the low 70s inland by Tuesday.

Marine Warnings for Small Craft

The NWS has also issued a Small Craft Advisory for the Gulf waters as strong northeasterly winds develop. Mariners can expect rough seas and should exercise caution. The advisory will remain in effect through Thursday afternoon, with conditions improving late Thursday night.

Hazardous Weather Changes Fast - Stay Updated

Weather Watches, Warnings, and Advisories are frequently updated by NWS. Please look for updates to this report from the National Weather Service, or your local news channels and NOAA All Hazards radio. Please follow ThumbWind Publications for more local weather and news updates. Your helpful comments are welcome.

Follow Hurricane Milton's Potential Landfall in Florida on Live Webcams

• 8 Live Bradenton Webcams & Latest Bradenton News & Weather - We will follow Hurricane Milton's track as it impacts Bradenton Florida near the Manatee and Bradon Rivers.
• 13 Live Siesta Key Florida Webcams – Real-Time Siesta Key News & Weather - Stay up-to-date with the latest news, weather, and live views from Siesta Key.
• 4 Live Venice Florida Webcams, Latest Venice News & Weather Updates - Watch real-time footage of Venice Florida beaches, traffic, and weather.
• 4 Live Port Charlotte Webcams, Latest Port Charlotte News & Weather Updates - Follow Hurricane Milton's path as it impacts Port Charlotte and Englewood.