Indian Harbour Beach, Fla. (Photo: Courtesy of Suzanne M. Cawn)
(Nov. 1, 2007) - As Tropical Storm Noel began tracking northeast through the Bahamas packing sustained winds of 65 mph, it was clear Florida had dodged yet another bullet this hurricane season. Well - not quite! While the storm's outer bands have dumped only moderate amounts of rainfall along the coast, sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts to 25 mph, were the order of the day.
In the southeast, the National Weather Service forecast office in Miami issued Tropical Storm and Coastal Flood Warnings. Along the east central coast, the office in Melbourne issued a High Surf Advisory and a Coastal Flood Watch; and, a Coastal Flood Warning from the Jacksonville office was also in effect for the state's northeastern counties. Strong rip currents remained a continuing danger all along Florida's east coast.
None of these hazards should ever be taken lightly, but at least they all have a limited shelf life. A more lasting effect is the significant beach erosion that has been occurring along the southeast and east central Florida coast. While wind and wave action has been stealing beach sand for some time, the process has been greatly accelerated with the passage of Tropical Storm Noel.
The attached photograph illustrates the dramatic loss of beachfront property. It was taken from Bicentennial Park in Indian Harbour Beach, Fla. by former National Weather Service employee Suzanne M. Cawn. Officially recognized in July 2005, Indian Harbour Beach also happens to be the first TsunamiReady® community on the nation's east coast.
