Coastal regions in Texas and Florida are under advisories from the National Weather Service (NWS) because of dangerous rip currents, with meteorologists warning that swimmers and small boats could face hazardous conditions.
The warnings, issued for areas near Brownsville, Texas, as well as Melbourne and Miami, Florida, caution beachgoers about strong and frequent rip currents capable of pulling even strong swimmers out to sea. Officials urge residents and visitors to heed the alerts and exercise caution along the coastline.
Why It Matters
Rip currents are powerful channels of water that flow away from shore, often causing life-threatening conditions for swimmers. The NWS has flagged multiple coastal regions for heightened risks, with advisories spanning several counties and barrier islands in Texas and Florida. Emergency responders emphasize that these currents are not always visible and can catch even experienced swimmers off guard.
The combination of high surf and strong offshore winds is creating an especially hazardous environment. In addition to rip current statements, small craft advisories have been issued for boaters because of rough seas and strong winds reaching up to 25 knots.
What To Know
The NWS Melbourne, Florida, office issued a Rip Current Statement for the following counties: coastal Volusia, coastal Indian River, coastal St. Lucie, coastal Martin and coastal Brevard. The advisory remains in effect through Thursday night.
In Texas, the NWS Brownsville issued a Rip Current Statement affecting Kenedy, Willacy and Cameron counties through Thursday night. The agency also warned of dangerous conditions for small boats, with seas of 6 to 9 feet and wind gusts up to 25 knots in Gulf waters between the Rio Grande River and Baffin Bay.
The NWS Miami office issued a Rip Current Statement specifically for coastal Palm Beach County, in effect until 7 p.m. Thursday. The advisory highlights a high likelihood of dangerous rip currents, which can quickly pull swimmers into deeper waters.
What People Are Saying
The NWS in Brownsville, Texas, in a Thursday update: "Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help."
What Happens Next
NWS officials continue to monitor surf conditions closely and may extend advisories if hazardous conditions persist. Boaters and swimmers are advised to check local weather updates before heading out. Authorities recommend that swimmers enter the water only in areas monitored by lifeguards and to be aware of posted warning flags indicating hazardous conditions.
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