As an area of low pressure continues to develop and get its act together in the Bay of Campeche, conditions along Texas beaches will be hazardous.
Safe to say, it is highly recommended that you do not swim on the beach this week as rip currents and higher than normal tides will pose a danger to people who may try to swim.
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On top of the beach conditions, coastal flooding is expected along the Texas coast.
Here are the expected impacts for area beaches.
Dangerous surf
A high rip current risk is in effect through late Wednesday evening and covers areas such as Matagorda Peninsula, Brazoria County beaches, Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula.
Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore and into deeper water.
While it is highly recommended that people stay out of the water during this time, if you choose to swim, do so near a lifeguard and away from rocks, jetties, and piers. 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.
For more information on rip currents, click here.
Coastal flooding
Onshore flow and higher than normal tides may lead to areas along beaches that don’t normally flood to be underwater.
A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for the same areas that are under the high risk of rip currents. The warning is in effect from 1 a.m. Tuesday to 1 a.m. Thursday.
Right now, the National Hurricane Center is predicting a storm surge of two to four feet for areas around Galveston Bay. This means water could potentially make it into properties located near the beaches. Most properties here are elevated on stilts, but the yards could have some water in them.
While this isn’t a huge storm surge, it will probably be enough to flood areas just inland from the beaches. Be aware of this just in case you frequently travel to areas near the beach. Coastal highways will also need to be watched for the potential of water reaching them as well.