Beach conditions: Double red flags, water off limits at Panama City Beach; jellyfish in Destin

Spring break is underway for several school systems and for many, that means a trip to the Gulf Coast. But current conditions at some popular tourist spots aren’t ideal as of Monday morning.

Double red flags, indicating the water is off limits, are currently flying at Panama City Beach due to rip current risks. Yellow flags are posted in Destin and along 30A but purple flags, indicating the presence of jellyfish, are also flying.

Conditions are better in Gulf Shores, where single yellow flags are posted. Single yellow flags indicate moderate surf and currents. People are still advised to swim with caution.

Rip current risks

The National Weather Service in Mobile and Pensacola places the rip current risk as moderate today for a stretch for a stretch of the Gulf from Dauphin Island east to Destin. It will drop to low later today and is expected to remain low through Thursday before increasing to moderate Thursday night.

NWS has issued a rip current statement for places like Walton, Gulf and Bay counties in Florida. Dangerous rip currents in this area – including Panama City Beach – are expected through late Monday.