The National Weather Service in Corpus Christi has issued a stark warning for beachgoers this weekend. As Hurricane Beryl advances toward the Texas coast, dangerous rip currents are expected to pose significant risks along Gulf beaches.
Understanding Rip Currents
“So, that’s where a rip current comes in. The sandbar will open up, and the water will rush out. And when it does that, it does it fast enough that people can be quickly pulled out from the beach. So, that’s the main concern, as we get more and more of these waves, the swells that come in, and Beryl crosses the Yucatan Peninsula,” explained Jeff Lutz, a National Weather Service Meteorologist.
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that can quickly drag swimmers away from the shore. As Beryl’s swells intensify, the risk of these currents increases significantly.
Safety Precautions for Beachgoers
Beachgoers visiting the island for the Fourth of July week are heeding the warnings. Veronica Brown, a visitor from College Station, emphasized the importance of caution. “I’ve been on them about being careful and watching the rip currents and not going too far into the ocean because it’s not safe,” she said.
The Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation Beach Safety staff has already issued red flag warnings as of mid-day Friday. These warnings indicate a high risk of rip currents and serve as a critical alert for all beach visitors.
Red Flag Warnings and Safety Guidelines
“We’re running a red flag right now, which is already a high risk of the rip current. Red does not go past your waist, as the rip current risk is extremely high,” stated Lacy Quinones, Corpus Christi Parks and Rec Safety Outreach Coordinator. The Beach Safety Staff strongly advises people to only go into the gulf waters up to their waist as of Saturday. By Sunday evening, they recommend avoiding the beach altogether.
“Because of the storm surge, there’s going to be a low chance of being able to drive on the beach and possibly even walking on the beach as a pedestrian. I would strongly consider just staying off the beach,” Quinones added.
Beachgoers Cut Trips Short
Some visitors take the warnings seriously and cut their Fourth of July trips short. Anna Vaughan, a visitor from Austin, shared her plans to leave early. “I mean, I guess I’m worried for the people here, but luckily, we’re leaving probably tomorrow morning, so we’re not going to see it hit,” she said.
Preparing for Hurricane Beryl
As Hurricane Beryl moves closer to the Texas coast, residents and visitors must stay informed and follow safety guidelines. The National Weather Service and local authorities will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.