Alert archive / Texas / Rip Current Statements in 2025

Rip Current Statement 36, NWS Brownsville, TX

December 28, 2025Cameron County, Kenedy County, Willacy County, Texas

NWS Brownsville, TX issued this rip current statement at Dec 28, 2025, 8:02 PM CST for Cameron County, Kenedy County, Willacy County, Texas. It took effect at Dec 29, 2025, 6:00 AM CST. It was in force for 36 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Dec 28, 2025, 8:02 PM CST (02:02 UTC)
In effect from
Dec 29, 2025, 6:00 AM CST
Expired
Dec 30, 2025, 6:00 PM CST
In force
36 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 02:02 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, 2.0 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 2025-12-29Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 735 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 2025-12-29The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 64 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
735 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-81 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
753 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
23 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
64 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
123 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.7

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

581 
WHUS44 KBRO 290202
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
802 PM CST Sun Dec 28 2025

TXZ451-454-455-291015-
/O.NEW.KBRO.SU.Y.0012.251229T1200Z-251231T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KBRO.CF.S.0011.251229T0700Z-251230T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KBRO.RP.S.0036.251229T1200Z-251231T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
802 PM CST Sun Dec 28 2025

...COASTAL FLOOD STATEMENT IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM CST MONDAY THROUGH
TUESDAY MORNING...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM MONDAY TO 6 PM CST
TUESDAY...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM CST MONDAY THROUGH
TUESDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Statement, isolated minor coastal
  flooding expected. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking
  waves of 5 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 Statement, from 1 AM CST Monday 
  through Tuesday morning. For the High Surf Advisory, from 6 AM 
  Monday to 6 PM CST Tuesday. For the High Rip Current Risk, 
  from 6 AM CST Monday through Tuesday 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...Minor coastal flooding of narrow beaches is
  possible within a couple of hours either side of high tide, 
  which is at 4:01 AM Monday morning. 

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.

&&

$$
7 follow-up statements
807 
WHUS44 KBRO 290217
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
817 PM CST Sun Dec 28 2025

TXZ451-454-455-291030-
/O.EXT.KBRO.CF.S.0011.251229T0700Z-251229T1800Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.SU.Y.0012.251229T1200Z-251231T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0036.251229T1200Z-251231T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
817 PM CST Sun Dec 28 2025

...COASTAL FLOOD STATEMENT NOW IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM CST MONDAY
THROUGH MONDAY MORNING...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM MONDAY TO 6 PM
CST TUESDAY...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM CST MONDAY
THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Statement, isolated minor coastal
  flooding expected. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking
  waves of 5 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 Statement, from 1 AM CST Monday 
  through Monday morning. For the High Surf Advisory, from 6 AM 
  Monday to 6 PM CST Tuesday. For the High Rip Current Risk, 
  from 6 AM CST Monday through Tuesday 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...Minor coastal flooding of narrow beaches is
  possible within a couple of hours either side of high tide,
  which is at 4:01 AM Monday morning.

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.

&&

$$
980 
WHUS44 KBRO 290310
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
910 PM CST Sun Dec 28 2025

TXZ451-454-455-291215-
/O.EXT.KBRO.CF.S.0011.251229T1000Z-251230T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.SU.Y.0012.251229T1200Z-251231T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0036.251229T1200Z-251231T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
910 PM CST Sun Dec 28 2025

...COASTAL FLOOD STATEMENT NOW IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM CST MONDAY
THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM MONDAY TO 6 PM
CST TUESDAY...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM CST MONDAY
THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Statement, isolated minor coastal
  flooding expected. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking
  waves of 5 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 Statement, from 4 AM CST Monday 
  through Monday afternoon. For the High Surf Advisory, from 6 
  AM Monday to 6 PM CST Tuesday. For the High Rip Current Risk, 
  from 6 AM CST Monday through Tuesday 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...Strong northeasterly to northerly winds
  continuing behind a strong cold front are expected to build
  water levels, leading to minor coastal flooding of narrow
  beaches from Monday morning through several hours following high
  tide, which is at 2:12 PM CST Monday afternoon. 

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.

&&

$$
808 
WHUS44 KBRO 291141
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
541 AM CST Mon Dec 29 2025

TXZ451-454-455-300000-
/O.CON.KBRO.SU.Y.0012.251229T1200Z-251231T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.CF.S.0011.000000T0000Z-251230T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0036.251229T1200Z-251231T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
541 AM CST Mon Dec 29 2025

...COASTAL FLOOD STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS
AFTERNOON...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST TUESDAY...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...For the Coastal Flood Statement, isolated minor coastal 
  flooding expected. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking 
  waves of 5 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 Statement, from 4 AM CST Monday 
  through Monday afternoon. For the High Surf Advisory, from 6 
  AM Monday to 6 PM CST Tuesday. For the High Rip Current Risk, 
  from 6 AM CST Monday through Tuesday 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...Strong northeasterly to northerly winds 
  continuing behind a strong cold front are expected to build 
  water levels, leading to minor coastal flooding of narrow 
  beaches from Monday morning through several hours following 
  high tide, which is at 2:12 PM CST Monday afternoon.

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.

&&

$$
055 
WHUS44 KBRO 300010
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
610 PM CST Mon Dec 29 2025

TXZ451-454-455-301200-
/O.EXP.KBRO.CF.S.0011.000000T0000Z-251230T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.SU.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-251231T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0036.000000T0000Z-251231T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
610 PM CST Mon Dec 29 2025

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST TUESDAY...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH TUESDAY
AFTERNOON...
...COASTAL FLOOD STATEMENT HAS EXPIRED...

* WHAT...For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 3 
  to 11 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 Tuesday. For
  the High Rip Current Risk, Through Tuesday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions. 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.

&&

$$
285 
WHUS44 KBRO 300703 AAA
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message...UPDATED
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
103 AM CST Tue Dec 30 2025

TXZ451-454-455-301500-
/O.CON.KBRO.SU.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-251231T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0036.000000T0000Z-251231T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
103 AM CST Tue Dec 30 2025

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

* WHAT...For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 3 
  to 9 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 this 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.

&&

$$
912 
WHUS44 KBRO 301420
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
820 AM CST Tue Dec 30 2025

TXZ451-454-455-310000-
/O.CON.KBRO.SU.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-251231T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0036.000000T0000Z-251231T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
820 AM CST Tue Dec 30 2025

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

* WHAT...For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 3 
  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...Until 6 PM CST this 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.

&&

$$
146 
WHUS44 KBRO 310005
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
605 PM CST Tue Dec 30 2025

TXZ451-454-455-310115-
/O.EXP.KBRO.SU.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-251231T0000Z/
/O.EXP.KBRO.RP.S.0036.000000T0000Z-251231T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
605 PM CST Tue Dec 30 2025

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY HAS EXPIRED...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK HAS EXPIRED...

Surf remains dangerous, however, surf heights have fallen below 
High Surf Advisory criteria. Life threatening rip currents are
still possible into Wednesday and beaches may remain narrow into 
tonight though, overall, conditions are gradually improving. 

$$

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 28, 8:02 PM CSTCoastal Flood StatementBROCameron, Kenedy, Willacy22 hr
Dec 28, 8:02 PM CSTHigh Surf AdvisoryBROCameron, Kenedy, Willacy46 hr

Nearby

Rip Current Statements in Texas, 2025Every rip current statement in 2025

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.