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'We are expecting as predicted a 8-to-10-foot surf': Nor'easter hitting the First Coast on Easter

The First Coast is experiencing a Nor'easter on Easter. Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue says the beaches will have large and dangerous surf the next few days.

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — The First Coast is experiencing a Nor'easter on Easter. It's not the most ideal weather for outdoor Easter festivities, but it didn't stop many from attending an Easter Sunrise Service on Jacksonville Beach Sunday morning.

Hundreds brought chairs and bundled up with jackets and blankets at the Sea walk Pavilion for the 72nd annual Christ Church Beaches Sunrise Easter Service. 

"It means spending time with family, remembering about Jesus, about God, about who we are as people," attendee Diego Blandon said. 

That event went on as planned, but because of coastal flooding, Crescent Beach Baptist Church cancelled its Sunrise service on the beach. 

Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue says the beaches will have large and dangerous surf the next few days and it's important to stay out of the water.

"There's a strong, long, short current. And so, it's very, very hazardous," Ocean Rescue Captain Rob Emahiser said. 

Jacksonville Beach was nearly deserted Sunday as large waves crashed onto the shore. Ocean Rescue Captain Rob Emahiser says there are dangerous ocean conditions like large waves and a strong rip current.

"We are expecting as predicted a 8-to-10-foot surf," Emahiser said. "There's large waves that will take you by surprise, especially children can be knocked off their feet."

Emahiser says erosion is expected. In the meantime, for their safety, lifeguards are not sitting on the beach but are patrolling the area. 

"Regardless of the tide, there's gonna be dangerous large jumping surf, and we'll be expecting that for several days, even after the surf comes down. There's still going to be some dangerous currents after storms like this," Emahiser said. 

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