Portuguese man-of-war spotted on Indian River County beaches March 5, 2017.(Photo: ELLIOTT JONES/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS)Buy Photo

Strong winds are washing Portuguese man-of-warashore in Indian River and St. Lucie countiesSunday, prompting officials to issue warnings at the beaches, a St. Lucie County official said Sunday.

Purple flags, signifying Portuguese man-of-war, are flying, along with red flags for the rough surf at Pepper and Waveland parks in St. Lucie County, said county spokesman Erick Gill.

Purple flags also are flying at Vero Beach's Humiston Beach, according to the National Weather Service, Melbourne.

Tentacles of jellyfish-like Portuguese man-of-war can produce painful stings days after they wash ashore, said Indian River County lifeguard Eric Toomsoo.

Winds brought Portuguese man-of-war onto beaches and rough surf March 5, 2017.(Photo: ELLIOTT JONES/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS)

On Sunday, the National Weather Service issued a warning for large breaking waves and rip currents that will create hazardous swimming conditions until the early evening.

"Heavy breaking waves could knock you down," according to the service's warning that extends to lakes where waves could overturn small boats. Waves up to 6 feet tall have been reported.

Winds Sunday have been gusting to 30 mph and are forecast to continue gusting to about 25 mph Monday and Tuesday, before diminishing to 5 mph Wednesday, according to forecasters.

Portuguese man-of-war could continue to wash ashore as long as the strong winds continue, Gill said.

"Beachgoers may experience jellyfish on the beaches for the next few days."

As Nevada resident Lisa Michaels looked at a washed up man-of-warby the Ocean Grill in Vero Beach Sunday, she remembered being stung by one in Fort Lauderdale when she was 8. She picked up what she thought was a bag in the water.

"I ran crying out of the water. I wailed," Michaels said.Now her advice to others is to not pick up unknown things floating in the surf.

Portuguese man-of-war: Also called bluebottle jellyfish, Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish live mostly in warmer seas. This type has a blue or purplish gas-filled bubble that keeps it afloat on the water and acts as a sail.

Sign/Symptoms of sting

Severe jellyfish stings can affect multiple body systems. These reactions may appear rapidly or several hours after the stings.

Treatment Seek emergency treatment if:

Most jellyfish stings can be treated by rinsing the area with salt water, applying vinegar or a baking soda paste, and taking a pain reliever.

Source: Mayo Clinic

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Portuguese man-of-war spotted on several Treasure Coast beaches - TCPalm