A rained-out beach day culminated in some minimal clearing by sunset, however strong currents and rough surf continued to be issues at local beaches and, for boaters, in the passes to the Gulf on Wednesday into Thursday.
The rough surf and rip currents are expected to continue through Friday, with a rip current advisory issued by the National Weather Service in effect until Friday at 5 p.m. A video capturing John’s Pass, in Madeira Beach, at high tide Wednesday night is embedded above. (Note: some ad blocking software may interfere with the video player.)
Strong currents at John’s Pass, April 3, 2024. (Photo: ClearwaterDaily)
Strong currents at John’s Pass, April 3, 2024. (Photo: ClearwaterDaily)
“Breezy southerly winds Wednesday will shift to west to northwest Wednesday night and continue through Friday,” a statement from the NWS office in Ruskin said. “Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.”
A rip current forms, sucking water into the surf as opposed to toward the shore. (Photo: ClearwaterDaily/ Shorebeat LLC)
Currents at Clearwater Pass and John’s Pass remained strong Wednesday night, as high tide brought breaking waves into the channels, which occasionally crashed onto the jetty rocks, making it a wet evening for anglers. Fishing, however, was good, with catfish and sharks among the species being caught. Dolphins, meanwhile, patrolled the pass at high tide as water rushed in, looking for a final meal of the day.
Officials warned beachgoers – especially those on vacation who may not be familiar with rip currents – to swim near lifeguards and pay extra concern for their safety as the weather improves for the end of the week.
Strong currents at John’s Pass, April 3, 2024. (Photo: ClearwaterDaily)
Strong currents at John’s Pass, April 3, 2024. (Photo: ClearwaterDaily)
“Swim near a lifeguard,” the statement said. “If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.”
The NWS is calling for sunny skies Thursday, with a high near 73. It will be breezy, with a west northwest wind 13 to 16 m.p.h., with gusts as high as 23 m.p.h. Friday will also be sunny with a high near 74, though the wind will be reduced slightly, coming from the northwest at 10 to 15 m.p.h., with gusts as high as 20 m.p.h.
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