Hurricane Milton Swells Bring High Rip Currents and Surf to Gulf Coast

Photo byNational Weather Service

Residents along the Gulf Coast brace for dangerous rip currents and high surf as Hurricane Milton's swells reach the area.

Hazardous Rip Currents Threaten Beaches from Mobile to Pensacola

Mobile, AL — Issued by the National Weather Service at 4:31 AM CDT on October 8, 2024.

Hurricane Milton Swells Raise Rip Current and Surf Warnings

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Mobile, AL has issued a High Rip Current Risk and a High Surf Advisory through Thursday evening, as Hurricane Milton churns in the southern Gulf of Mexico. Although the hurricane is not expected to make landfall near the Alabama or Florida Gulf coasts, its powerful swells will impact local beaches, posing serious risks to swimmers.

NWS Mobile has warned of dangerous beach conditions across Mobile, Pensacola, and Destin, urging visitors and residents to stay out of the water. Increased winds and strong rip currents are expected, with waves reaching hazardous heights starting Wednesday night.

Cooler Weather Follows Brief Gusty Winds in Coastal Areas

By Thursday, as the hurricane tracks across the Florida peninsula and heads toward the Atlantic, the Mobile region will experience autumn-like weather. Highs will remain in the upper 80s during the day, with cooler temperatures settling into the 50s and 60s at night.

Despite the distance from Hurricane Milton's core, coastal winds will pick up due to the system’s interaction with a high-pressure area to the north. This could result in breezy conditions, particularly east of Interstate 65.

Marine Advisory: Small Craft Should Exercise Extreme Caution

Mariners should take note of a Small Craft Advisory in effect from Tuesday night through Thursday, as winds and seas will rapidly increase due to the hurricane’s proximity. Gulf waters from Pensacola to Mobile will experience choppy conditions, with winds intensifying and surf heights peaking late Wednesday into Thursday.

Boaters are advised to stay ashore until the weekend, when the conditions are expected to improve significantly.

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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, Florida.
• 4 Live Venice Florida Webcams, Latest Venice News & Weather Updates – Real-time looks at the beaches, traffic, and weather in Venice, Florida.
• 4 Live Port Charlotte Webcams, Latest Port Charlotte News & Weather Updates – Track Hurricane Milton as it impacts Englewood, Port Charlotte, and Punta Gorda.