CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Parking on the beach may be limited as above normal crowds are expected for the annular solar eclipse this weekend.
Spring tides happen during a new and full moon. When the earth, moon and sun are aligned, this causes a stronger gravitational pull and a tidal bulge. The solar eclipse means we have a new moon on Saturday.
This doesn't always lead to coastal flooding along Coastal Bend beaches. Another factor will be at play this weekend, a northeast wind.
A cold front moves through South Texas on Saturday morning. Northeast wind will be strong on Saturday, and breezy on Sunday. The wind is the primary force, but since the earth is rotating this creates a force that deflects things to the right in the northern hemisphere. This is called the Coriolis force.
When wind travels over the water the Coriolis effect is felt under the water and is known as the Ekman Spiral. The result is a net water transport to the right of the wind.
A northeast wind will put that additional push of water toward our Coastal Bend Beaches. Parking and driving on the beach may be limited, especially at high tide.
The high tide is expected after the eclipse, but a few stronger waves may sneak up on you while you watching, especially if you stay the entire eclipse.
