Environment & Weather

Rip Currents, High Surf Expected This Week As Tropical Storm Oscar Looms

by
Daniel Nee
October 21, 2024

Rough surf conditions in Boca Raton, FL, Oct. 20, 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

Heavy surf and dangerous rip currents were forecast for the start of the week in South Florida, largely thanks to Tropical Storm Oscar, which made landfall in Cuba Sunday night.

The National Weather Service has issued a rip current statement and high surf advisory through Tuesday, with a coastal flood advisory set to remain in effect until Monday night. According to the NWS statement, large breaking waves of 7 to 8 feet will be present in the surf zone Monday into Tuesday. The waves were stirred up over the weekend – especially Sunday – as captured in our photos from Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach.

Rough surf conditions in Boca Raton, FL, Oct. 20, 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

Minor coastal flooding is possible during the high tide cycles early this week, the NWS said, while the rip current risk will likely continue into the middle of the week, with the advisory likely to be extended.

Tropical Storm Oscar, the National Hurricane Center said, poses virtually no risk to the Florida coast besides the churned-up suds in the Atlantic Ocean. The storm is making a rapid, dog-leg style turn to the northeast and begin tracking toward Bermuda as a tropical storm, ultimately predicted to become a post-tropical cyclone.

Rough surf conditions in Deerfield Beach, FL, Oct. 20, 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

A Boca Raton lifeguard on an ATV. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

A Boca Raton lifeguard stand. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

Breezy conditions will continue Monday, with a northeast wind 18 to 20 m.p.h., with gusts as high as 26 m.p.h., the NWS forecast said. The same wind speeds are forecast for Tuesday.