Rough surf to batter Florida's east coast through Thursday

By Renee Duff, AccuWeather meteorologist

Locally gusty winds will stir up dangerously rough seas along the east coast of Florida through Thursday.

Those with outdoor activities scheduled through Wednesday night may have to make alternate indoor plans as rain dampens areas from Orlando to Daytona Beach and West Palm Beach, Florida.

"The weather looks a bit better for Thursday as the rain will move away," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Ryan Adamson. Only a few spotty showers may remain along the southeast coast of Florida.

While the improving conditions may tempt residents and vacationers to head to the beaches and get in the water, seas are expected to remain dangerously rough through Thursday.

"The clockwise flow of air around an offshore area of high pressurewill cause northeast winds to buffet Florida’s east coast," Adamson said.

"In addition to the brisk winds, the wind direction will cause rough surf and rip currents to be a concern for the Atlantic coast beaches," he added.

A no swimming flag flies on the beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Tuesday, May 13, 2014. (AP Photo)

If caught in a rip current, do not panic or fight the current. Swim parallel to the coast until you escape the rip current. You should then swim at an angle, away from the current and toward the beach.

Swimmers who enter the water are also encouraged to not swim too far from the coast.

Hail accumulated overnight Wednesday in the city of Trenton, Florida, The city's public safety department was out working to clear the roads and advised motorists to use caution during their morning commutes. 

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Operators of small craft should use caution in the choppy conditions.

Conditions are not expected to be as rough later Thursday into Friday as the onshore winds lessen.

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