New low pressure area will bring rough conditions again to Central Florida’s beaches

ORLANDO, Fla. — Update:

We’re starting to see some improving conditions at Central Florida’s beaches.

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But there will be a moderate, increasing risk for dangerous rip currents and increased wave heights as a new low pressure area is forecast to develop near Central Florida’s coast later this week, certified meteorologist George Waldenberger said.

This might also lead to some beach erosion during high tides Thursday and Friday evenings, he said.

It will also increase the chance for rain at the beach Thursday through Saturday.

Waldenberger said wind speeds will get gusty, depending on how strong the low pressure area gets.

Photos: Post-tropical cyclone Lee impacts Maine, Nova Scotia

“On Friday and Saturday, there is a 30% chance the low could develop into a subtropical system as it moves away from our coast,” he said. “Regardless, our forecast shouldn’t change.”

He said another tropical wave coming in across the Atlantic Ocean has a high chance of developing.

Ophelia and Philippe would be the next names given to any systems that were to develop.

Hurricane Nigel is a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph, but it will remain out at sea and will not come to Central Florida.

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Video: Hurricane Nigel to strengthen Tuesday and stay far away from Florida

Earlier story:

Hurricane Nigel is gaining strength Tuesday as it moves through the central Atlantic Ocean.

Nigel was estimated to have maximum sustained winds of around 85 mpg and it moving northwest at 13 mph.

Nigel is projected to become a Category 2 hurricane as it spins in the central Atlantic.

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Thankfully, Nigel is forecast to stay away from the U.S. and will weaken over the ocean.

There could be a brief spin-up off the coast of the Southeast, then lifting up to the Carolinas this weekend.

Watch: Cloudy and cooler Tuesday in Central Florida

Channel 9 meteorologists are also monitoring an area off the coast of Africa that may develop this weekend.

Follow our Severe Weather team on X for live updates:

• Chief meteorologist Tom Terry
• Kassandra Crimi
• George Waldenberger
• Brian Shields

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