Alert archive / Texas / Rip Current Statements in 2024

Rip Current Statement 38, NWS Brownsville, TX

December 2, 2024Cameron County, Kenedy County, Willacy County, Texas

NWS Brownsville, TX issued this rip current statement at Dec 2, 2024, 2:51 AM CST for Cameron County, Kenedy County, Willacy County, Texas. It was in force for 5 days.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Dec 2, 2024, 2:51 AM CST (08:51 UTC)
Expired
Dec 7, 2024, 6:00 AM CST
In force
5 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 08:54 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, 8.9 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 2024-12-02Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 454 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 2024-12-02The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 50 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 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
454 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-20 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
625 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
41 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
50 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
79 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.2
Supercell composite
1.2

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

079 
WHUS44 KBRO 020851
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
251 AM CST Mon Dec 2 2024

TXZ451-454-455-021800-
/O.NEW.KBRO.RP.S.0038.241202T0851Z-241204T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
251 AM CST Mon Dec 2 2024

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK 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.

&&

$$
13 follow-up statements
058 
WHUS44 KBRO 021511
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
911 AM CST Mon Dec 2 2024

TXZ451-454-455-030600-
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0038.000000T0000Z-241204T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
911 AM CST Mon Dec 2 2024

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS 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.

&&

$$
963 
WHUS44 KBRO 030344
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
944 PM CST Mon Dec 2 2024

TXZ451-454-455-031400-
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0038.000000T0000Z-241204T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
944 PM CST Mon Dec 2 2024

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS 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.

&&

$$
626 
WHUS44 KBRO 030718
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
118 AM CST Tue Dec 3 2024

TXZ451-454-455-040000-
/O.EXT.KBRO.RP.S.0038.000000T0000Z-241205T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
118 AM CST Tue Dec 3 2024

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

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

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

* WHEN...Through Wednesday 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.

&&

$$

54
506 
WHUS44 KBRO 040014
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
614 PM CST Tue Dec 3 2024

TXZ451-454-455-041100-
/O.NEW.KBRO.CF.Y.0018.241204T0014Z-241204T1100Z/
/O.NEW.KBRO.SU.Y.0010.241204T0014Z-241204T1300Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0038.000000T0000Z-241205T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
614 PM CST Tue Dec 3 2024

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM CST WEDNESDAY...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM CST WEDNESDAY...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor coastal flooding.
  For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 5 to 7 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 5 AM CST Wednesday.
  For the High Surf Advisory, until 7 AM CST Wednesday. For the
  High Rip Current Risk, through Wednesday afternoon. Peak time
  for coastal flooding will be from 8 PM through midnight Tuesday
  night.

* IMPACTS...Nuisance flooding is expected, with water reaching or
  pushing into the dunes at narrow beaches 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. Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions with
  intense rip currents that can sweep even the best swimmers away
  from shore into deeper water.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Beach cameras at sunset showed tidal run-
  up along the beach, beginning to near the dune line, at the
  north side City of South Padre Island beaches. High and rough
  surf was also observed as strong easterly swell was pushing
  through the surf zone and onto the beach. These conditions will
  continue for most of the night.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Do not drive on flooded beaches overnight. 
All swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf
conditions.

&&

$$

52/BSG
960 
WHUS44 KBRO 040807
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
207 AM CST Wed Dec 4 2024

TXZ451-454-455-041615-
/O.EXT.KBRO.RP.S.0038.000000T0000Z-241206T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.CF.Y.0018.000000T0000Z-241204T1100Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.SU.Y.0010.000000T0000Z-241204T1300Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
207 AM CST Wed Dec 4 2024

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY
AFTERNOON...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM CST EARLY
THIS MORNING...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM CST THIS
MORNING...

* 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 5 to 7 feet in 
  the surf zone.

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

* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, through Thursday 
  afternoon. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, until 5 AM CST 
  early this morning. For the High Surf Advisory, until 7 AM CST 
  this morning.

* 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.

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.

&&

$$
068 
WHUS44 KBRO 041104
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
504 AM CST Wed Dec 4 2024

TXZ451-454-455-041915-
/O.EXP.KBRO.CF.Y.0018.000000T0000Z-241204T1100Z/
/O.EXT.KBRO.SU.Y.0010.000000T0000Z-241205T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0038.000000T0000Z-241206T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
504 AM CST Wed Dec 4 2024

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY
AFTERNOON...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY HAS EXPIRED...

* WHAT...For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 4 
  to 5 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 High Surf Advisory, until 6 PM CST this 
  evening. For the High Rip Current Risk, through Thursday 
  afternoon.

* 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.

&&

$$
450 
WHUS44 KBRO 041135
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
535 AM CST Wed Dec 4 2024

TXZ451-454-455-050000-
/O.CON.KBRO.SU.Y.0010.000000T0000Z-241205T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0038.000000T0000Z-241206T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
535 AM CST Wed Dec 4 2024

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS
EVENING...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 4 
  to 6 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 High Surf Advisory, until 6 PM CST this 
  evening. For the High Rip Current Risk, through Thursday 
  afternoon.

* 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.

&&

$$
492 
WHUS44 KBRO 050552
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
1152 PM CST Wed Dec 4 2024

TXZ451-454-455-060000-
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0038.000000T0000Z-241206T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
1152 PM CST Wed Dec 4 2024

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

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

* WHEN...Through Thursday 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.

&&

$$
525 
WHUS44 KBRO 050754
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
154 AM CST Thu Dec 5 2024

TXZ451-454-455-070000-
/O.EXT.KBRO.RP.S.0038.000000T0000Z-241207T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
154 AM CST Thu Dec 5 2024

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

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

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

* WHEN...Through Friday 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.

&&

$$
826 
WHUS44 KBRO 052155
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
355 PM CST Thu Dec 5 2024

TXZ451-454-455-061000-
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0038.000000T0000Z-241207T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
355 PM CST Thu Dec 5 2024

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH FRIDAY
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

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

* WHEN...Through Friday 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.

&&

$$
324 
WHUS44 KBRO 060521
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
1121 PM CST Thu Dec 5 2024

TXZ451-454-455-061800-
/O.EXT.KBRO.RP.S.0038.000000T0000Z-241207T1200Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
1121 PM CST Thu Dec 5 2024

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE FRIDAY
NIGHT...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

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

* WHEN...Through late Friday night.

* 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.

&&

$$

54
759 
WHUS44 KBRO 061818
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
1218 PM CST Fri Dec 6 2024

TXZ451-454-455-071200-
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0038.000000T0000Z-241207T1200Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
1218 PM CST Fri Dec 6 2024

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS 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.

&&

$$
502 
WHUS44 KBRO 070543
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
1143 PM CST Fri Dec 6 2024

TXZ451-454-455-071200-
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0038.000000T0000Z-241207T1200Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
1143 PM CST Fri Dec 6 2024

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST
SATURDAY...

* 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.

&&

$$

54

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 2, 2:45 AM CSTSmall Craft AdvisoryBRO3 days

Nearby

Rip Current Statements in Texas, 2024Every rip current statement in 2024

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.