Tight Pressure Gradient And Beach Erosion

Beach Erosion Continues At Ft.Pierce Inlet

Last week brought several days of windy conditions up and down the Florida Atlantic beaches. A strong high pressure system anchored off the U.S. east coast helped to increase the pressure gradient and gusty winds, which in turn lead to rough surf and some beach erosion at Ft. Pierce Inlet, FL. This part of southern Hutchinson Island has struggled with beach erosion going way back to the hurricanes of 2004. The south side of the inlet has been built back up with sand numerous times over the last few years only to be washed away again. Once again last week the winds and waves carved out more of the beach leaving a large cliff of sand.

The winds were not only a problem for some beaches and boaters, but also active wildfires in central and south Florida. Strong winds helped to fuel the “Iron Horse” fire in northern Brevard County, and another fire in extreme western Miami-Dade county. Luckily both of these fires look to be under control here late in the weekend, and let’s hope it stays that way being it’s the peak of the Florida wildfire season.