USCG prepares for storm, coastal flooding along Texas coast
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is advising mariners and the public to use caution and be prepared for dangerous winds and coastal flash flooding as Tropical Storm Beta approaches the Texas coast Sunday.
The storm is expected to create very dangerous conditions along much of the Texas coast as it brings high tides, high seas, heavy rains, and potential sustained winds near 60 mph.
Beachgoers are asked to stay out of the water as the storm conditions begin to impact shores Sunday, creating a greatly enhanced risk of rip currents with rough surf conditions.
The Coast Guard urges the public to follow these precautions for the duration of Tropical Storm Beta:
Swimmers, surfers, and windsurfers are strongly urged to stay out of the water during this period of heavy weather.
Boaters are advised to avoid getting underway due to extremely hazardous sea conditions.
All boaters and those living along coastal communities should secure their small craft, including canoes, kayaks, and paddle craft, due to expected high winds, heavy seas, and storm surge.
The Coast Guard Captain of the Port for Houston-Galveston directed the immediate attainment of Port Condition Zulu Sunday, which carries a number of readiness requirements for entities throughout the port and is set when weather advisories indicate that sustained gale force winds from a tropical or hurricane force storm are predicted to make landfall at the port within 12 hours.