DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (WFLA/WKMG) – Robert Phelane caught some big waves on Daytona Beach.
The conditions are perfect for surfing, but he says the swell is pretty rough.
“A little bit of a rip current, but more sideways pull going to the north from all the waves breaking that way,” Phelane said.
That’s all thanks to Hurricane Florence.
Even though the storm is thousands of miles away and central Florida is not in its direct path, beachgoers said they’re already starting to feel the storm’s impact.
Volusia County Beach Patrol is flying the red flag, warning swimmers of rough surf conditions and rip currents throughout the week.
Lifeguards said one swimmer was knocked down by a wave, hitting the sandbar and breaking her arm.
Gary Ward knows just how dangerous the ocean can be, so that’s why he’s keeping his kids close to him, only letting them play on the beach.
“Just trying to keep them back out of the rough area,” he said. “You can see the water is sporadically coming in and out pretty hard.”
Florence is also causing high tides along the beaches.
As Florence makes its way closer to the United States, central Florida beachgoers need to be on alert.
