DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — As Beryl churns closer to Central Florida, officials expected dangerous conditions on Volusia County beaches.
At the start of Memorial Day, high winds and rip currents had beach patrol flying red flags. Between 60 and 70 lifeguards were ready and waiting for rescue, but instead they said they had to clear the beaches because of dangerous lightning.
Beryl brought 3 to 4-foot high waves to Volusia's beaches and more showers that moved in at about 12:15 Monday afternoon. The rain caught many by surprise and pelted tourists on the beach.
"It was crazy, like, all the water felt like little needles. It hurt," said visitor Rodney Moore.
Because of lightning, lifeguards closed the water to swimmers. But beach patrol allowed cars on the beach even during high tide.
Some people wanting to make the most of their vacation braved the elements to at least play on the beach.
"The weather is really bad. The waves are combing it," said visitor Amber Lee.
Tanesha Hill drove to Volusia from Orlando to enjoy her day off at Sun Splash Park in Daytona Beach with her family, but her plans were ruined.
"We're trying to get it started, but the weather is holding it up," Hill said.
There were no injuries reported due to lightning and there were only a few rescues before noon.
WFTV
