Increased wave heights and swells will affect the beach in Port Aransas late tonight (Tuesday, Sept. 27) through Saturday, according to the National Weather Service office in Corpus Christi.
It’s an effect of Hurricane Ian, which is located over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico and is expected to hit along the west coast of Florida Wednesday night, the weather service reported.
The increased swell is likely to result in hazardous seas leading to minor to moderate coastal flooding and an increased risk of rip currents through the end of the week and possibly over the weekend.
City of Port Aransas crews have been removing portable restrooms from the beach today in anticipation of higher tides.
The greatest impacts and concerns of coastal flooding and dangerous rip currents will be Wednesday evening through Thursday evening.
Hurricane-generated surf can become large and powerful. Folks should exercise caution when entering the water and consider not getting in at all if the conditions become too extreme.
More from the weather service:
- Water levels will reach 2 to 3 feet mean sea level along areas of the Coastal Bend, resulting in 1 to 2 feet of beach inundation.
- Rip currents move from the direction of shore toward the horizon and can sweep even the most experienced swimmers into deeper water. Rip currents can become life-threatening to anyone entering the surf.
- Rip currents are especially likely near piers, jetties, and other structures. It’s best to avoid swimming near structures, piers, or jetties.
- If caught in a rip current, the best strategy is to relax, float and don’t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, a person should face the shore and call or wave for help.
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