Alert archive / Texas / Rip Current Statements in 2023

Rip Current Statement 25, NWS Brownsville, TX

August 21, 2023Cameron County, Kenedy County, Willacy County, Texas

NWS Brownsville, TX issued this rip current statement at Aug 21, 2023, 2:34 AM CDT for Cameron County, Kenedy County, Willacy County, Texas. It took effect at Aug 21, 2023, 7:00 PM CDT. It was in force for 42 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Aug 21, 2023, 2:34 AM CDT (07:34 UTC)
In effect from
Aug 21, 2023, 7:00 PM CDT
Expired
Aug 23, 2023, 1:00 PM CDT
In force
42 hr
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 07:34 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, 7.6 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 2023-08-21Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 2173 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 2023-08-21The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 21 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 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
2173 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-26 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1175 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
18 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
21 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
-11 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.8

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

006 
WHUS44 KBRO 210734
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
234 AM CDT Mon Aug 21 2023

TXZ451-454-455-211800-
/O.NEW.KBRO.SU.Y.0005.230822T0000Z-230823T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KBRO.RP.S.0025.230822T0000Z-230823T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
234 AM CDT Mon Aug 21 2023

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 PM
CDT TUESDAY...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 2 
  to 7 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 High Surf Advisory, from 7 PM this evening to 7 
  PM CDT Tuesday. For the High Rip Current Risk, from this 
  evening through Tuesday evening.

* IMPACTS...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...

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.

&&

$$
7 follow-up statements
020 
WHUS44 KBRO 211541
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
1041 AM CDT Mon Aug 21 2023

TXZ451-454-455-212345-
/O.NEW.KBRO.CF.Y.0007.230822T0000Z-230823T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.SU.Y.0005.230822T0000Z-230823T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0025.230822T0000Z-230823T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
1041 AM CDT Mon Aug 21 2023

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 
PM CDT TUESDAY...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO
7 PM CDT TUESDAY...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM CDT THIS 
EVENING THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor coastal flooding of
  2 to 3 ft MHWW expected, especially around high tide, which 
  occurs at 5:38am Tuesday. For the High Surf Advisory, large 
  breaking waves of 4 to 7 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 7 PM this evening 
  to 7 PM CDT Tuesday. For the High Rip Current Risk, from 7 PM 
  CDT this evening through Tuesday evening.

* 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 beach erosion is expected, mainly
  on Padre Island National Seashore. 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...An approaching tropical wave, which is
  forecast to become a tropical cyclone, will produce hazardous
  beach conditions.

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.

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.

&&

$$

53
273 
WHUS44 KBRO 212251
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
551 PM CDT Mon Aug 21 2023

TXZ451-454-455-220700-
/O.CON.KBRO.CF.Y.0007.230822T0000Z-230823T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.SU.Y.0005.230822T0000Z-230823T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0025.230822T0000Z-230823T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
551 PM CDT Mon Aug 21 2023

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT
TUESDAY...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT TUESDAY...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY
EVENING...

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor coastal flooding of
  2 to 3 ft MHHW expected, especially around high tide, which 
  occurs at 5:38am Tuesday. For the High Surf Advisory, large 
  breaking waves of 4 to 7 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 7 PM this evening 
  to 7 PM CDT Tuesday. For the High Rip Current Risk, from 7 PM 
  CDT this evening through Tuesday evening.

* 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 beach erosion is 
  expected, mainly on Padre Island National Seashore. 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...Tropical Depression Nine, which is forecast
  to become a tropical storm, will produce hazardous beach 
  conditions as it approaches and makes landfall on the Lower 
  Texas coast.

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.

Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to
dangerous surf conditions.

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
461 
WHUS44 KBRO 220650
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
150 AM CDT Tue Aug 22 2023

TXZ451-454-455-221500-
/O.EXT.KBRO.RP.S.0025.000000T0000Z-230824T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.CF.Y.0007.000000T0000Z-230823T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.SU.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-230823T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
150 AM CDT Tue Aug 22 2023

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY
EVENING...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS
EVENING...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents. 
  For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor coastal flooding. For 
  the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 3 to 8 feet in 
  the surf zone.

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

* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, through Wednesday 
  evening. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 7 PM CDT this 
  evening. For the High Surf Advisory, until 7 PM CDT this 
  evening.

* 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...Tropical Storm Harold will produce
  hazardous beach conditions as it approaches and makes landfall
  on the Lower Texas coast.

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.

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.

&&

$$
516 
WHUS44 KBRO 220943
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
443 AM CDT Tue Aug 22 2023

TXZ451-454-455-230000-
/O.CON.KBRO.CF.Y.0007.000000T0000Z-230823T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.SU.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-230823T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0025.000000T0000Z-230824T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
443 AM CDT Tue Aug 22 2023

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS
EVENING...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS
EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY
EVENING...

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor coastal flooding.
  For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 4 to 8 feet
  in the surf zone. 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 7 PM CDT this 
  evening. For the High Rip Current Risk, through Wednesday 
  evening.

* 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...Tropical Storm Harold will produce
  hazardous beach conditions as it approaches and makes landfall
  on the Lower Texas coast. High tide occurs at 5:38 AM this 
  morning. 

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.

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.

&&

$$
987 
WHUS44 KBRO 230007
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
707 PM CDT Tue Aug 22 2023

TXZ451-454-455-230815-
/O.EXP.KBRO.CF.Y.0007.000000T0000Z-230823T0000Z/
/O.EXP.KBRO.SU.Y.0005.000000T0000Z-230823T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0025.000000T0000Z-230824T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
707 PM CDT Tue Aug 22 2023

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY
EVENING...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY HAS EXPIRED...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY HAS EXPIRED...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

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

* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, through Wednesday 
  evening.

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

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Large long period swells which originated
  from Tropical Storm Harold will continue to affect the coastline
  through Wednesday. However, these swells will slowly decay
  through Wednesday. 

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.

&&

$$

MB
223 
WHUS44 KBRO 230912
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
412 AM CDT Wed Aug 23 2023

TXZ451-454-455-231800-
/O.EXT.KBRO.RP.S.0025.000000T0000Z-230823T1800Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
412 AM CDT Wed Aug 23 2023

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM CDT THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

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

* WHEN...Until 1 PM CDT this afternoon.

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

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Large long period swells which originated
  from Tropical Storm Harold will continue to affect the coastline
  through this morning. Swells were steadily falling, and ocean
  waves had fallen below 5 feet with swell period at 6 to 7
  seconds and the buoy 200 miles east of South Padre Island as of
  4 AM. Swells will continue to subside this morning, and the rip
  current intensity will decrease as well. Still, even moderate
  risk levels can be dangerous for unaware swimmers.

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.

&&

$$

52/BSG
658 
WHUS44 KBRO 231802
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
102 PM CDT Wed Aug 23 2023

TXZ451-454-455-231915-
/O.EXP.KBRO.RP.S.0025.000000T0000Z-230823T1800Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
102 PM CDT Wed Aug 23 2023

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

The rip current risk has been allowed to expire due to lowering
swells and seas. Continue to use caution at area beaches as there
remains a moderate risk of rip currents. 

$$

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 21, 2:34 AM CDTHigh Surf AdvisoryBROCameron, Kenedy, Willacy40 hr
Aug 21, 9:58 AM CDTTropical Storm WarningBROBrooks, Cameron, Hidalgo, Kenedy, Willacy30 hr
Aug 21, 10:41 AM CDTCoastal Flood AdvisoryBROCameron, Kenedy, Willacy32 hr

Nearby

Rip Current Statements in Texas, 2023Every rip current statement in 2023

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.