Weather Service Warns Of 5-Foot Waves, Wind Gusts Up To 73 mph

TAMPA BAY, FL — The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory for counties along the Gulf Coast until 7 p.m.

Large breaking waves of 5 feet have been recorded along the coasts of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties. And wind gusts ranging up to 73 mph at Bayshore Gardens in Manatee County and more than 40 mph were recorded in Pinellas County this morning.

Additionally, a high rip current risk is in effect through Wednesday morning. The NWS said dangerous rip currents are expected, creating hazardous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion.

Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.