Rip Current Statement
Cameron, Kenedy and Willacy counties, TX · from Today 6:00 PM CST
If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor coastal flooding expected. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 3 to 8 feet expected in the surf zone. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents expected.
* WHERE...Kenedy Island, Willacy Island and Cameron Island Counties.
* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 6 PM this evening to 6 AM CST Tuesday. For the High Rip Current Risk, from this evening through late Monday night.
* IMPACTS...Nuisance flooding is expected, with water reaching or pushing into the dunes on South Padre Island. Vehicles, except those with four wheel drive and high wheel bases, will be unable to be driven on the beach. This includes locations north of Public Beach Access #3. Minor to moderate beach erosion is expected. Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Max inundation is expected near high tide at 1115 PM tonight and again at 1122 PM Monday night.
What to do during a Rip Current Statement
- 1Stay out of the waterEven strong swimmers can be pulled away.
- 2If a rip current pulls youDon’t fight it. Swim parallel to the shore, then back in, or float and wave for help.
- 3Stay off rocks and jettiesLarge waves can sweep people away.
Watch vs. Warning
Rip Current Statement questions
What is a rip current?
A narrow, fast channel of water flowing away from the shore.