Alert archive / Texas / Rip Current Statements in 2022

Rip Current Statement 50, NWS Brownsville, TX

December 17, 2022Cameron County, Kenedy County, Willacy County, Texas

NWS Brownsville, TX issued this rip current statement at Dec 17, 2022, 2:15 AM CST for Cameron County, Kenedy County, Willacy County, Texas. It took effect at Dec 17, 2022, 6:00 AM CST. It was in force for 4 days.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Dec 17, 2022, 2:15 AM CST (08:15 UTC)
In effect from
Dec 17, 2022, 6:00 AM CST
Expired
Dec 21, 2022, 6:00 AM CST
In force
4 days
Issued by
NWS Brownsville, TX

Counties Cameron County, TX, Kenedy County, TX, Willacy County, TX

The radar

The Brownsville radar (KBRO), 69 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 08:15 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Brownsville Intl, TX (KBRO), launched 00:00Z, 8.3 hours before the alert went out and 71 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Brownsville Intl, TX at 00:00Z on 2022-12-17Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 26 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Brownsville Intl, TX at 00:00Z on 2022-12-17The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 93 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
26 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-21 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
926 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
53 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
93 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
130 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

780 
WHUS44 KBRO 170815
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
215 AM CST Sat Dec 17 2022

TXZ451-454-455-171630-
/O.NEW.KBRO.RP.S.0050.221217T1200Z-221219T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
215 AM CST Sat Dec 17 2022

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM CST THIS MORNING
THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected.

* WHERE...Kenedy Island, Willacy Island and Cameron Island 
  Counties.

* WHEN...From 6 AM CST this morning through Sunday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.

&&

$$
11 follow-up statements
052 
WHUS44 KBRO 171606
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
1006 AM CST Sat Dec 17 2022

TXZ451-454-455-180300-
/O.NEW.KBRO.SU.Y.0009.221217T1606Z-221218T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KBRO.CF.S.0026.221217T1606Z-221218T0600Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0050.000000T0000Z-221219T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
1006 AM CST Sat Dec 17 2022

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS EVENING...
...COASTAL FLOOD STATEMENT IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 5 
  to 8 feet in the surf zone. For the Coastal Flood Statement, 
  isolated minor coastal flooding. For the High Rip Current 
  Risk, dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...Kenedy Island, Willacy Island and Cameron Island 
  Counties.

* WHEN...For the High Surf Advisory, until 9 PM CST this 
  evening. For the Coastal Flood Statement, through this 
  evening. For the High Rip Current Risk, through Sunday 
  afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Wave run-up may approach the dunes along narrow 
  beaches. Beach equipment, such as umbrellas and chairs, could 
  be moved by waves. Vehicles driving along narrow beaches may 
  experience higher water levels. Elevated water levels may also 
  occur across the Laguna Madre and South Bay, and along State 
  Highway 4 west of Boca Chica State Park. 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...High tide occurs 10:55 AM. Low tide occurs
  3:30 PM. Another high tide occurs at 9:40 PM. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Do not drive through flooded roadways.

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.

&&

$$

Mejia
728 
WHUS44 KBRO 172058
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
258 PM CST Sat Dec 17 2022

TXZ451-454-455-180600-
/O.EXT.KBRO.RP.S.0050.000000T0000Z-221219T1200Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.SU.Y.0009.000000T0000Z-221218T0300Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.CF.S.0026.000000T0000Z-221218T0600Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
258 PM CST Sat Dec 17 2022

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE SUNDAY
NIGHT...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST THIS
EVENING...
...COASTAL FLOOD STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST
TONIGHT...

* WHAT...For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 5 
  to 7 feet in the surf zone. For the Coastal Flood Statement, 
  isolated minor coastal flooding. For the High Rip Current 
  Risk, dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...Kenedy Island, Willacy Island and Cameron Island 
  Counties.

* WHEN...For the High Surf Advisory, until 9 PM CST this 
  evening. For the Coastal Flood Statement, until midnight CST 
  tonight. For the High Rip Current Risk, through late Sunday 
  night.

* IMPACTS...Wave run-up may approach the dunes along narrow
  beaches. Beach equipment, such as umbrellas and chairs, could be
  moved by waves. Vehicles driving along narrow beaches may
  experience higher water levels. Elevated water levels may also
  occur across the Laguna Madre and South Bay, and along State
  Highway 4 west of Boca Chica State Park. Dangerous swimming and
  surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Rip currents can
  sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Do not drive through flooded roadways.

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.

&&

$$

Mejia
428 
WHUS44 KBRO 180343
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
943 PM CST Sat Dec 17 2022

TXZ451-454-455-181100-
/O.CON.KBRO.CF.S.0026.000000T0000Z-221218T0600Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0050.000000T0000Z-221219T1200Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
943 PM CST Sat Dec 17 2022

...COASTAL FLOOD STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST
TONIGHT...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE SUNDAY
NIGHT...

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Statement, isolated minor coastal 
  flooding. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip 
  currents.

* WHERE...Kenedy Island, Willacy Island and Cameron Island 
  Counties.

* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Statement, until midnight CST 
  tonight. For the High Rip Current Risk, through late Sunday 
  night.

* IMPACTS...Wave run-up may approach the dunes along narrow
  beaches. Beach equipment, such as umbrellas and chairs, could be
  moved by waves. Vehicles driving along narrow beaches may
  experience higher water levels. Elevated water levels may also
  occur across the Laguna Madre and South Bay, and along State
  Highway 4 west of Boca Chica State Park. Rip currents can sweep
  even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Do not drive through flooded roadways.

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.

&&

$$
797 
WHUS44 KBRO 180930 AAA
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message...UPDATED
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
330 AM CST Sun Dec 18 2022

TXZ451-454-455-200000-
/O.EXT.KBRO.RP.S.0050.000000T0000Z-221220T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
330 AM CST Sun Dec 18 2022

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...Kenedy Island, Willacy Island and Cameron Island 
  Counties.

* WHEN...Through Monday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.

&&

$$
627 
WHUS44 KBRO 190921 AAA
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message...UPDATED
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
321 AM CST Mon Dec 19 2022

TXZ451-454-455-210000-
/O.EXT.KBRO.RP.S.0050.000000T0000Z-221221T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
321 AM CST Mon Dec 19 2022

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...Kenedy Island, Willacy Island and Cameron Island 
  Counties.

* WHEN...Through Tuesday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.

&&

$$
461 
WHUS44 KBRO 192224
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
424 PM CST Mon Dec 19 2022

TXZ451-454-455-200630-
/O.NEW.KBRO.CF.S.0027.221219T2224Z-221220T0700Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0050.000000T0000Z-221221T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
424 PM CST Mon Dec 19 2022

...COASTAL FLOOD STATEMENT IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM CST TUESDAY...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents. 
  For the Coastal Flood Statement, isolated minor coastal 
  flooding.

* WHERE...Kenedy Island, Willacy Island and Cameron Island 
  Counties.

* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, through Tuesday 
  afternoon. For the Coastal Flood Statement, until 1 AM CST 
  Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Wave run-up may approach the dunes along narrow 
  beaches. Beach equipment, such as umbrellas and chairs, could 
  be moved by waves. Vehicles driving along narrow beaches may 
  experience higher water levels. Elevated water levels may also 
  occur across the Laguna Madre and South Bay, and along State 
  Highway 4 west of Boca Chica State Park. Rip currents can 
  sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Water level at Brazos Santiago Pass has
  been running nearly 1.5 feet above astronomical predictions...or
  1.1 to 1.2 ft. MHHW. Webcams from South Padre Island confirm
  that isolated minor coastal flooding is occurring. This should
  continue until astronomical tide amplitudes decrease sharply
  after midnight.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Do not drive through flooded roadways.

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.

&&

$$

53
153 
WHUS44 KBRO 200916 AAA
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message...UPDATED
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
316 AM CST Tue Dec 20 2022

TXZ451-454-455-211200-
/O.EXT.KBRO.RP.S.0050.000000T0000Z-221221T1200Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
316 AM CST Tue Dec 20 2022

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...Kenedy Island, Willacy Island and Cameron Island 
  Counties.

* WHEN...Through late tonight.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.

&&

$$
981 
WHUS44 KBRO 201539
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
939 AM CST Tue Dec 20 2022

TXZ451-454-455-210100-
/O.NEW.KBRO.CF.Y.0012.221220T1800Z-221221T0600Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0050.000000T0000Z-221221T1200Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
939 AM CST Tue Dec 20 2022

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST TONIGHT...

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor coastal flooding 
  expected. For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip 
  currents.

* WHERE...Kenedy Island, Willacy Island and Cameron Island 
  Counties.

* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until midnight CST 
  tonight. For the High Rip Current Risk, through late tonight.

* 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. Rip currents can sweep even the best 
  swimmers away from shore into deeper water.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.

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.

&&

$$
322 
WHUS44 KBRO 210142
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
742 PM CST Tue Dec 20 2022

TXZ451-454-455-211200-
/O.CON.KBRO.CF.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-221221T0600Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0050.000000T0000Z-221221T1200Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
742 PM CST Tue Dec 20 2022

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST
TONIGHT...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor coastal flooding. 
  For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...Kenedy Island, Willacy Island and Cameron Island 
  Counties.

* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until midnight CST 
  tonight. For the High Rip Current Risk, until 6 AM CST 
  Wednesday.

* 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. Rip currents can sweep even the best 
  swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.

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.

&&

$$

Mejia
915 
WHUS44 KBRO 210603
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
1203 AM CST Wed Dec 21 2022

TXZ451-454-455-211200-
/O.EXP.KBRO.CF.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-221221T0600Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0050.000000T0000Z-221221T1200Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
1203 AM CST Wed Dec 21 2022

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST EARLY
THIS MORNING...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY HAS EXPIRED...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

* WHERE...Kenedy Island, Willacy Island and Cameron Island 
  Counties.

* WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until midnight CST 
  tonight. For the High Rip Current Risk, until 6 AM CST 
  Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away 
  from shore into deeper water.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.

&&

$$
282 
WHUS44 KBRO 211205
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
605 AM CST Wed Dec 21 2022

TXZ451-454-455-211315-
/O.EXP.KBRO.RP.S.0050.000000T0000Z-221221T1200Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
605 AM CST Wed Dec 21 2022

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK HAS EXPIRED...

Lower seas today will support a moderate risk.

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Brownsville, TX issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 17, 10:06 AM CSTCoastal Flood StatementBROCameron, Kenedy, Willacy14 hr
Dec 17, 10:06 AM CSTHigh Surf AdvisoryBROCameron, Kenedy, Willacy11 hr

Nearby

Rip Current Statements in Texas, 2022Every rip current statement in 2022

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.