As the center of Tropical Storm Noel approaches the northern coast of Cuba, its effects continue to be felt in Central Florida, with high winds, coastal flooding, beach erosion and rough surf along the state's Atlantic beaches.
News 13 chief meteorologist Jeff Day said the action should fall back Friday evening as trick-or-treaters hit the streets, but wind and rain would still be in the area.
Winds up to 40 mph hit the beaches Tuesday. At least six inches of sand has eroded away in new Smyrna Beach.
The rough surf was so high, even the ever-present surfers at Flagler Beach were nowhere to be found. Many waves even cleared the historic Flagler Pier.
Advisories remain in effect for coastal counties. To get the latest weather conditions, click here.
Residents in Florida should continue to monitor the storm.
Beach Patrol: Don’t Go In The Water
Strong waves and high winds are prompting Volusia County Beach Patrol officials to warn beachgoers about the dangers of swimming in the waters, which are worsening by the hour.
Current conditions are very similar to how things were a month ago when a swimmer from South Carolina went into the rough seas and drowned.
The beach patrol is flying the red flag. While they can't stop people from swimming, it's strongly discouraged.
"There’s no reason to go out,” said Capt. Scott Petersohn. “The waves are not good for surfing or anything else right now. It's actually very dangerous to go out."
Strong surf and high wind conditions are expected to continue for at least one more day.
Weather Brings Business
For some folks in Brevard County, the rough surf and gray clouds are bringing them business.
Boats unable to handle the high waves are docking at marinas such as one in Melbourne, which means they'll see steady business for the next few days.
“Their definitely not out on the ocean,” said Dave Cesario. “I can't imagine what the seas are like, with this wind blowing like this. So they're traveling the river and even the river is rough so they're out of this.”
Companies that get clients from the marina, including a detailing company we caught dodging the rain on Tuesday, are also getting a financial boost.
3 Men Rescued From Indian River Lagoon
The rough weather is to blame for sending three men into the waters of the Indian River Lagoon Tuesday morning.
Roy Curet, Donald Tindall and Norman Gile were clinging to their overturned boat, drifting toward the fishing pier in Titusville.
Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission officers were able to pull them on board their boat and then tow the overturned boat to shore.
The men said they were trying to secure a barge when the boat became swamped.
Tropical Storm Noel 8 a.m. Advisory
The center of Noel is about to emerge off the north coast of Cuba.
A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for the Cuban provinces of Sancti Spiritus, Ciego de Avila, Camaguey, Las Tunas, Granma, Holguin, Santiago de Cuba and Guantanamo.
A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for the central and northwestern Bahamas.
Interests in southern Florida should continue to monitor the progress of Noel.
At 8 a.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Noel was located near latitude 22.3 north, longitude 78.2 west, or about 65 miles north-northwest of Camaguey, Cuba, and about 195 miles south-southwest of Nassau.
Noel is moving toward the north-northwest near 6 mph. A turn toward the north is expected later today.
The center of Noel is expected to emerge off the north coast of Cuba during the next few hours, and reach the northwestern Bahamas tonight.
Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph, with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 24 hours after the center emerges over water.
Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles to the north and east of the center.
Estimated minimum central pressure is 1000 mb, or 29.53 inches.
Above normal tides are likely within the warning areas.
Noel is expected to produce additional rainfall accumulations of 5 to 10 inches over Hispaniola, bringing total accumulations to 20 to 30 inches.
Total rainfall accumulations of 5 to 10 inches, with isolated maximum amounts of 15 inches, are possible over
eastern Cuba and the Bahamas.
These rains, particularly in Hispaniola and Cuba, are expected to cause life-threatening flash floods and mud slides.
The next advisory will be issued by the National Hurricane Center at 11 a.m. EDT.