Corpus Christi, Texas – Boaters along the Middle Texas Coast are being urged to stay off the water tonight as a powerful cold front triggers gale-force winds and dangerous seas reaching up to 17 feet across the Gulf near Corpus Christi.
According to the National Weather Service in Corpus Christi, a Gale Warning takes effect at 10 p.m. tonight and remains in place until 1 p.m. Monday for the Middle Texas Coastal Waters. North winds are expected to strengthen to 25 to 35 knots with gusts up to 45 knots, generating seas between 12 and 17 feet offshore and very rough bay conditions closer to shore.
The strongest conditions will impact marine areas near Port Aransas, Rockport, Port Lavaca, and the offshore waters east of Corpus Christi, where rapidly building waves and strong winds could make navigation extremely hazardous.
Small craft operators face the greatest risk. Officials warn that inexperienced mariners and those operating smaller vessels should avoid navigating in these conditions, as steep waves and powerful winds may make vessel control difficult.
Conditions will gradually improve Monday afternoon as the pressure gradient weakens and winds slowly diminish. Until then, mariners are advised to remain in port and closely monitor updates from the National Weather Service for additional marine advisories along the Texas coast.
