Rough surf, battering waves likely in Fla.

MIAMI (AP) -- The head of the National Hurricane Center says rough surf may be Hurricane Irene's most noticeable impact in Florida.

Bill Read says though forecasts have Irene shifting from the state's Atlantic coast, rough waters are still likely.

State meteorologist Amy Godsey says ocean swells could begin affecting the state Thursday, bringing waves of 7 to 12 feet near shore and up to 25 feet offshore.

She says "large battering waves could pose a threat to vulnerable piers and cause beach erosion along portions of the Florida coastline."

Meantime, Craig Fugate, the former head of emergency management in Florida who now heads FEMA, cautions residents should be prepared regardless of forecasts or the projected strength of the storm.

Fugate says, "I've never heard of a minor hurricane."

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)