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 rip currents and a risk for minor coastal flooding.
Swimming can quickly become dangerous, so 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.
Wave heights won't be super big through the weekend, but the wave period will be around 8-10 seconds. This will keep the rip risk elevated even with lighter wave action through the weekend.
