High winds, rough seas in the forecast

A line of thunderstorms moving through the area this afternoon and evening has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a series of advisories due to anticipated high winds and hazardous sea conditions.

NWS Tampa Bay has issued a small craft advisory for the Florida Suncoast, including the Sarasota area, as well warnings of moderate rip currents at local beaches and the possibility of winds exceeding 20 knots near bodies of water.

The rough weather, however, is good news for area surfers. Based on wave height models generated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), surf forecasters predict waves at Siesta Beach will begin building Wednesday, peaking anywhere from two to six feet in height by Thursday afternoon.

Contact Nolan Peterson at [email protected]