Texas Rip Current Statement | Effective 04/18/2026 18:31

Headline: 
Rip Current Statement issued April 18 at 8:31PM CDT until April 19 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Brownsville TX
Event: 
Rip Current Statement
Urgency: 
Expected
Effective: 
April 18, 2026 - 6:31pm
Expires: 
April 19, 2026 - 4:00am
Description: 
* WHAT...For the High Rip Current Risk, dangerous rip currents expected. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor coastal flooding expected. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 5 to 6 feet expected in the surf zone. * WHERE...Kenedy Island, Willacy Island and Cameron Island Counties. * WHEN...For the High Rip Current Risk, from 6 AM CDT Sunday through Sunday evening. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 6 AM to 1 PM CDT Sunday. For the High Surf Advisory, from 6 AM to 7 PM CDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Nuisance flooding is expected, with water reaching or pushing into the dunes on South Padre Island. Vehicles, except those with four wheel drive and high wheel bases, will be unable to be driven on the beach. This includes locations north of Public Beach Access #3. Minor to moderate beach erosion is expected. Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
Instruction: 
If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. 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.
Area Description: 
Kenedy Island; Willacy Island; Cameron Island
Forcast Office: 
NWS Brownsville TX