JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Wind gusts and sustained winds at Jacksonville-area beaches from Tropical Storm Ian have caused major erosion concerns as the storm drags across the state.
Mayor Lenny Curry announced the beaches were closing on Wednesday due to the storm and would reopen when available.
On Thursday morning at Neptune Beach, whipping winds from Ian were pushing sand visibly through the air and stirring up concerns about erosion at area beaches. There were trucks spotted at the beach trying to push loads of sand onto the shoreline to prevent some of that erosion from happening.
News4JAX reporter Amanda Devoe said that the intense winds made the sand feel like little shards of glass hitting her skin.
The City of Atlantic Beach said significant flooding is still anticipated through Friday. A storm surge warning remains in effect. There is still a tropical storm warning for the area. While beaches are closed, it’s not uncommon to see people attempting to get in the water during a storm. Swimmers and boaters are discouraged from entering the water.