CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – South Texas residents and beachgoers should prepare for dangerous coastal flooding and high rip current risks through Thursday, as Hurricane Rafael strengthens and approaches the Gulf. The storm, forecasted to emerge in the Gulf of Mexico by Thursday, may bring flooding and treacherous conditions to beaches along the Texas coast.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Corpus Christi, the storm’s proximity is expected to bring up to one foot of coastal inundation, particularly affecting areas near high tide. The NWS has extended a Coastal Flood Advisory through Thursday afternoon for Texas bays and Gulf-facing beaches, highlighting potential beach erosion and road flooding in low-lying areas. Residents and visitors should exercise caution when traveling near affected shorelines, especially during peak tides, and avoid swimming near piers and jetties due to the intensified rip currents.
Local authorities urge beachgoers to avoid entering the water unless necessary, even with low-risk rip current warnings. Conditions are expected to change rapidly, increasing the likelihood of stronger rip currents. For those who must enter the water, officials recommend following safety protocols, such as swimming parallel to the shore to escape rip currents.
Temperatures are expected to remain in the low 80s, with moderate northeast winds around 10 mph. The extended forecast for South Texas includes partly sunny skies and mild conditions through the weekend, but residents should monitor updates from the NWS as Rafael progresses.
