New Delhi, May 3 -- Two people have died in separate drowning incidents in Florida as severe weather battered parts of the state with heavy rain, damaging winds and hazardous ocean conditions, according to a report.

Heavy downpours and stormy conditions were reported across central Florida and along the Gulf Coast on Saturday, including in Tampa and Largo, NBC News reported.

Authorities warned that rough surf and dangerous rip currents had created life-threatening conditions along several beaches.

In one incident, local law enforcement officers responded to Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach after receiving reports that a 12-year-old and a 17-year-old were struggling in the water, according to the Cocoa Beach Police Department.

NBC News ...