CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Rip currents and high surf are responsible for 15% of tropical cyclone-related fatalities over the last ten years. This comes second to inland flooding and rainfall, and recently caused more deaths than storm surge.
The problem with rip currents is they are difficult to spot. Additionally, this danger can be amplified hundreds of miles away from a storm.
Helene will increase this risk in Corpus Christi Thursday through Sunday. A weather impact alert has been issued for the dangerous currents and a risk for minor coastal flooding. Swimming can quickly become dangerous, and the buddy system should be used. Talk to a lifeguard and check the conditions before getting in the water.
Rip currents form as a way to return water that crashes onto the beach back out to sea. Longer periods and larger waves will cause more water to rush onto the beach. The longer period allows for cleaner surf but also allows for a stronger rip current to form.
Another threat often forgotten until you start drifting down the beach is the longshore current. Behind the cold front we will see a rather breezy north, northeast wind on Thursday. This will enhance the longshore current likely from the north to the south along our local beaches.
The combination of the north wind, and hurricane swell reaching the Coastal Bend elevates our risk for minor coastal flooding. Water may be up to the dunes are running high along some of our waterways and bays. High tide on the beach is overnight and should be monitored closely for anyone hoping to camp.
Helene is expected to rapidly intensify in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico and reach major hurricane status with winds greater than 111 mph before landfall. Swells 2-4 feet will arrive in Corpus Christi by Thursday morning.
Wave heights will be 2-4 feet with a few 5 ft swells possible through Saturday. The period will be 8-11 seconds. Any water that does come into the bays due to Coastal Flooding will be working its way back out with the weaker wave action on Sunday. This will keep the rip risk elevated even with lighter wave action.
