Environment & Weather

Hurricane Helene Whips Up Surf in Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach, Causing Erosion

by
Daniel Nee
September 25, 2024

Boca Daily News captured video and photos of swells building at Boca Raton Inlet and local beaches, as well as rough surf near the Deerfield Beach pier. Swimming was off limits at ocean beaches throughout the region; surfers were enjoying the large waves just north of the pier. Breaking waves occasionally crested over the rocks at both the north and south jetties of Boca Raton Inlet, with few venturing onto the rocks to fish or sight-see.

(Note: If the video above does not appear, view it in this link.)

The effects of Hurricane Helene whip up waves and surf at Boca Raton Inlet and beaches in Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach, FL, Sept. 25, 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

A tropical storm warning was in effect for Palm Beach County, calling for 20-30 m.p.h. winds Thursday with gusts to 45 m.p.h. A flood watch was also in effect, with the storm’s outer bands predicted to produce 1-3 inches of rain, with locally-higher amounts in areas that receive severe thunderstorms. The National Weather Service said conditions will be “somewhat” favorable for tornado formation, however the threat overall is “limited.”

The highest probabilities for sustained tropical storm force winds will be along the Gulf coast of southwest Florida, including Collier and mainland Monroe Counties, and adjacent Gulf waters. Locally, tropical storm force winds are possible along the Atlantic coast and adjacent Atlantic waters, especially in conjunction with Helene’s rainbands.

The effects of Hurricane Helene whip up waves and surf at Boca Raton Inlet and beaches in Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach, FL, Sept. 25, 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

Steady rain was forecast to Palm Beach County after 10 p.m. Wednesday night, with the bulk of tropical storm conditions occurring overnight until 1 p.m. Thursday. Showers and thunderstorms are forecast to linger afterward, with a high of 90 degrees.