COLUMBIA (WACH) -
Hurrican season doesn't begin until late week, but that didn't stop Tropical Storm Beryl from moving ashore early Monday, bringing heavy rain and high winds to northeast Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
The National Hurricane Center says Beryl made landfall near Jacksonville Beach at around 12:10 a.m. with winds estimated at 65mph. This storm is expected to bring 4 - 8 inches of rain and residents are warned to be cautious of coastal flooding and high tidal surges.
Visitors to Cumberland Island, FL were evacuated. Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown issued a state of emergency, cancelling the Memorial Day Jazz Festival and Parade in order to encourage people to remain indoors. One of the biggest concerns is the threat of rip tides. On Saturday 48 people were rescued from the strong undercurrent off of Savannah's Tybee Island, prompting officials to close the waters for swimming on Sunday. Shoreline conditions are hazardous and ripcurrents can easily sweep a person out to sea. Beachgoers are warned not to go into the ocean.
Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for the entire coastline of Georgia, as well as areas in north Florida and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Beaufort is just one South Carolina community under the threat of inland flooding, coastal hazards, winds, and even tornados.
Beryl is expected to weaken into a tropical depression by Monday night, but will most likely continue to bring coastal surges and heavy rain for much of the state through midweek.
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