FORT MYER BEACH, Fla. — Strong wind gusts are causing low tides and a dreary day on Fort Myers Beach.

ABC7 meteorologists say strong northeast winds are physically pushing water away from the coast. This expands the size of the beach, making high tide levels lower than they’d normally be, and exaggerates low tide conditions.

That made tides lower on Fort Myers Beach today, which means it was the perfect day for metal detecting.

“That means more treasures. I’m picking out treasures where normally people can’t get to because the water’s too deep,” said metal hunting enthusiast, Rick Happ.

Others are not as lucky. Leah Fetting and Daniel Clifton came to Fort Myers Beach for vacation, but they are trying to make the most of it.

“It’s not great, but that’s okay!” said Fetting. “We’re still going to come out, still went swimming, and it’s better than Ohio.”

If you don’t mind a little wind and rain, there is nothing wrong with hanging out at the beach today, however, conditions could be tougher for boaters.