Nor’easter producing dangerous surf and flooding along Florida’s East Coast

Hazardous conditions along Florida s East Coast are expected to persist through the week, with rough surf, dangerous rip currents, beach erosion and coastal flooding prompting warnings from the National Weather Service. The event marks the second nor easter to affect the region over the past two weeks, with persistent rough surf contributing to beach erosion in some areas. The prolonged period of northeast winds is being driven by a ridge of high pressure over the eastern United States and a developing area of low pressure over the southwestern Atlantic. Hazardous conditions along the coast will continue through most of the week. At times, the weather pattern has produced scattered showers, but rain chances are expected to decrease as the week progresses. Wind gusts of 35 mph 45 mph will remain possible east of Interstate 95, while wind speeds are expected to decrease for inland locales. Offshore, gale conditions will be likely, and small craft boaters are advised to stay in port if po