Alert archive / Texas / Rip Current Statements in 2026

Rip Current Statement 17, NWS Brownsville, TX

May 1, 2026Cameron County, Kenedy County, Willacy County, Texas

NWS Brownsville, TX issued this rip current statement at May 1, 2026, 2:53 AM CDT for Cameron County, Kenedy County, Willacy County, Texas. It took effect at May 1, 2026, 7:00 PM CDT. It was in force for 48 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
May 1, 2026, 2:53 AM CDT (07:53 UTC)
In effect from
May 1, 2026, 7:00 PM CDT
Expired
May 3, 2026, 7:00 PM CDT
In force
48 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 07:57 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, 7.9 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 2026-05-01Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 920 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 2026-05-01The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 90 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 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
920 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-431 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
915 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
33 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
90 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
191 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.1

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

452 
WHUS44 KBRO 010753
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
253 AM CDT Fri May 1 2026

TXZ451-454-455-011800-
/O.NEW.KBRO.RP.S.0017.260502T0000Z-260503T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.SU.Y.0010.260502T0600Z-260503T0600Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
253 AM CDT Fri May 1 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH
SATURDAY EVENING...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM SATURDAY TO
1 AM CDT SUNDAY...

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents 
  expected. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 
  3 to 9 feet expected in the surf zone.

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

* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, from this evening 
  through Saturday evening. For the High Surf Advisory, from 1 
  AM Saturday to 1 AM CDT Sunday.

* 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.

&&

$$
8 follow-up statements
795 
WHUS44 KBRO 011753
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
1253 PM CDT Fri May 1 2026

TXZ451-454-455-020400-
/O.CON.KBRO.SU.Y.0010.260502T0600Z-260503T0600Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0017.260502T0000Z-260503T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
1253 PM CDT Fri May 1 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM CDT THIS
EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM SATURDAY TO
1 AM CDT SUNDAY...

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents 
  expected. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 
  3 to 9 feet expected in the surf zone.

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

* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, from this evening 
  through Saturday evening. For the High Surf Advisory, from 1 
  AM Saturday to 1 AM CDT Sunday.

* 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.

&&

$$
265 
WHUS44 KBRO 020347
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
1047 PM CDT Fri May 1 2026

TXZ451-454-455-021915-
/O.NEW.KBRO.CF.S.0005.260502T0800Z-260502T1900Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.SU.Y.0010.260502T0600Z-260503T0600Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0017.000000T0000Z-260503T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
1047 PM CDT Fri May 1 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SATURDAY
EVENING...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM CDT SUNDAY...
...COASTAL FLOOD STATEMENT IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM CDT SATURDAY
THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents. 
  For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 3 to 9 
  feet expected in the surf zone. For the Coastal Flood 
  Statement, isolated minor coastal flooding expected.

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

* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, through Saturday 
  evening. For the High Surf Advisory, until 1 AM CDT Sunday. 
  For the Coastal Flood Statement, from 3 AM CDT Saturday 
  through Saturday 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...A Coastal Flood Advisory may be needed
  overnight, with the highest inundation occurring a couple of 
  hours before and after high tide at 6:46 AM.

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.

&&

$$
722 
WHUS44 KBRO 020709
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
209 AM CDT Sat May 2 2026

TXZ451-454-455-021800-
/O.EXT.KBRO.RP.S.0017.000000T0000Z-260504T0000Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.SU.Y.0010.000000T0000Z-260503T0600Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.CF.S.0005.260502T0800Z-260502T1900Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
209 AM CDT Sat May 2 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM CDT SUNDAY...
...COASTAL FLOOD STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM CDT THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents. 
  For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 3 to 9 
  feet in the surf zone. For the Coastal Flood Statement, 
  isolated minor coastal flooding expected.

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

* WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, through Sunday evening. 
  For the High Surf Advisory, until 1 AM CDT Sunday. For the 
  Coastal Flood Statement, until 2 PM CDT this 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.

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.

&&

$$
583 
WHUS44 KBRO 021913
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
213 PM CDT Sat May 2 2026

TXZ451-454-455-030315-
/O.EXP.KBRO.CF.S.0005.000000T0000Z-260502T1900Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.SU.Y.0010.000000T0000Z-260503T0600Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0017.000000T0000Z-260504T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
213 PM CDT Sat May 2 2026

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM CDT SUNDAY...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY
EVENING...
...COASTAL FLOOD STATEMENT HAS EXPIRED...

* WHAT...For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 3 
  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 High Surf Advisory, until 1 AM CDT Sunday. For 
  the High Rip Current Risk, through Sunday 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.

&&

$$
795 
WHUS44 KBRO 021917
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
217 PM CDT Sat May 2 2026

TXZ451-454-455-031200-
/O.CON.KBRO.SU.Y.0010.000000T0000Z-260503T0600Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0017.000000T0000Z-260504T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
217 PM CDT Sat May 2 2026

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM CDT SUNDAY...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY
EVENING...

* WHAT...For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 3 
  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 High Surf Advisory, until 1 AM CDT Sunday. For 
  the High Rip Current Risk, through Sunday 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.

&&

$$
857 
WHUS44 KBRO 030334
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
1034 PM CDT Sat May 2 2026

TXZ451-454-455-031800-
/O.CAN.KBRO.SU.Y.0010.000000T0000Z-260503T0600Z/
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0017.000000T0000Z-260504T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
1034 PM CDT Sat May 2 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY
EVENING...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

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

* WHEN...Through Sunday evening.

* 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.

&&

$$
984 
WHUS44 KBRO 031153
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
653 AM CDT Sun May 3 2026

TXZ451-454-455-040000-
/O.CON.KBRO.RP.S.0017.000000T0000Z-260504T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
653 AM CDT Sun May 3 2026

...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.

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

* WHEN...Through this evening.

* 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.

&&

$$
811 
WHUS44 KBRO 040000
CFWBRO

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
700 PM CDT Sun May 3 2026

TXZ451-454-455-040100-
/O.EXP.KBRO.RP.S.0017.000000T0000Z-260504T0000Z/
Kenedy Island-Willacy Island-Cameron Island-
700 PM CDT Sun May 3 2026

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

Conditions along the Lower Texas Coast are improving. However, 
there is now a Moderate Risk of rip currents at the beaches along 
the Lower Texas Coast from now through Monday afternoon.

$$

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Apr 30, 8:21 PM CDTSmall Craft AdvisoryBRO50 hr
Apr 30, 8:22 PM CDTHigh Surf AdvisoryBROCameron, Kenedy, Willacy50 hr

Nearby

Rip Current Statements in Texas, 2026Every rip current statement in 2026

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.