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Storms off coast create swells on Volusia County beaches

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — There is currently one hurricane and one tropical storm out in the Atlantic, and while they're nowhere close to hitting land, they are having a major impact on Volusia County beaches.

Channel 9's Blaine Tolison found out Volusia County is seeing massive ocean swells like it hasn't seen in years.

"This is very unique, I mean, to have a hurricane off the coast just spinning swell and it's very unique and have the offshore wind. It's heaven on Earth, that's why I skipped work to come," said surfer Larry Hingle.

Tropical Storm Leslie is hundreds of miles away, but it's predicted to become a hurricane. Its power can be seen in the waves pounding the coast in Volusia County.

"It's one of those beautiful surf days. It's like three to four foot winds offshore. There are quite a few people, but that goes with the territory," said Hingle.

At one point in Ponce Inlet, lifeguards counted 200 surfers in the water. They even had this jet ski on standby in case any of them needed to be rescued.

On Wednesday, surfers narrowly avoided one another. Professional surfer Michelle Kienlen said people here know how to prevent accidents.

"It is the east coast, so most people surf out here all the time, so they know how to stay out of the way. They know who's going to catch the wave," said Kienlen.

The swell is a preview of the similar conditions this weekend. Beach patrol officers said rip currents will be a concern.