State emergency management officials say there is a high to moderate risk of rip currents along Florida Gulf coast beaches.
Beachgoers are urged to use extreme caution Wednesday and Thursday, especially since red flags are flying.
Deputy State Meteorologist Michelle Palmer says strong winds over the Gulf of Mexico are causing breaking waves of five to seven feet. That's causing rough conditions along the northwest Florida beaches. She warns of a moderate risk along the rest of the state's Gulf beaches.
A red flag means conditions in the Gulf of Mexico are considered dangerous. Double Red Flags, which are flying at Panama City Beach, means the beaches are closed for swimming.
Rip currents are narrow, powerful currents that run perpendicular to the beach.