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Regardless of Hurricane Beryl’s path, Gulf Coast beaches will be treacherous this holiday weekend

This image provided by NOAA, pictures a harmless green dye used to show a rip current. Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are prevalent along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the U.S., as well as along the shores of the Great Lakes. About 100 people drown from rip currents along U.S. beaches each year, according to the U.S. Lifesaving Association. (NOAA via AP) (Uncredited, NOAA)

HOUSTON – Hurricane Beryl is making its way across the Caribbean, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds. Regardless of its path or intensity, we can expect to see dangerous currents at area beaches through the holiday weekend.

Expect to see elevated surf and swells in addition to a high rip current risk.

Editors note: This story was written Tuesday afternoon. The Storm Tracker 2 team is keeping a close watch here on Beryl’s latest movement.

Did you know on average only one person dies a year from a shark attack, but over 100 will die from rip currents?

Let’s talk about rip current safety.

Rip Currents are narrow. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

Rip currents can form when a current flows away from the beach into the ocean. This is why the safest thing to do if you get caught in one is to swim parallel to the shore.

Dangerous currents on our beaches today (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

If you cannot escape, try to calmly float. Call or wave for help from those on shore.

Tips for escaping a rip current.

Remember, when in doubt - don’t go out!

When the waves are high, stay dry (Copyright 2023 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

Here’s some more general beach safety:

Obey beach flags. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

About the Author
Caroline Brown headshot

Meteorologist, 6th generation Texan, country music lover, patio seeker