Coastal flooding, strong winds and dangerous surf expected through early next week in Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia

A stretch of windy weather, rough surf and increasing coastal flooding will impact Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia through the weekend and into early next week. While rain is in the forecast, our biggest concern will be the potential for moderate to locally major tidal flooding along our beaches, coastal communities and local waterways.A strengthening area of low pressure near the Bahamas, combined with high pressure building to our north, will create a tightening pressure gradient across the region. That means northeast winds will continue to increase Friday, with the strongest winds expected over the weekend and into early next week. The persistent onshore flow will push additional water toward the coast and into tidal waterways, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying and normally dry areas.The timing of this weather pattern is especially important because of the approaching full moon on Monday. Higher astronomical tides, combined with several days of persistent northea