Beachgoers greeted with rain, rip currents

Sunday is setting up to be a lousy beach day for Central Florida, as Subtropical Storm Alberto churns across the Gulf of Mexico, producing rain bands over the Florida Peninsula.

The slow-moving system is expected to cause wet misery across the eastern U.S. Gulf Coast over the holiday weekend. Heavy downpours were expected to begin lashing parts of Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama as the National Hurricane Center in Miami issued tropical storm warnings for coastal counties.

Volusia County Beach Patrol says that morning high tides were expected to delay vehicle access ramp openings.

Red flags are flying at the county beaches; however lifeguards are on duty, just in case anyone decides to brave the weather.  Red flags warn swimmers of severe hazards in the water. One red flag means that the surf is high or there are dangerous currents or both. Though you can still swim if there is a red flag, you should use extreme caution and go in the water only if you're a keen swimmer.

Officials warn that conditions are not favorable for swimming, and they say that visitors should be mindful of rip currents and choppy surf. 

Beachgoers can stay informed by following Volusia County Beaches on Facebook and Twitter.

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