Residents should ensure space heaters or heating systems are in good operating condition, and repair or replace if not operating safely.
Meteorologists were predicting a dramatic entrance for the cold front sweeping into the Rio Grande Valley Friday morning, with temperatures quickly plummeting 20 to 30 degrees and powerful winds making for hazardous conditions along the coast through the weekend.
The National Weather Service Brownsville-Rio Grande Valley station on Thursday announced a Gale Warning in effect for all lower Texas coastal waters through 7 p.m. Friday. The wind was expected to shift from southerly to northerly around sunrise Friday morning and peak at about 25 mph midday before gradually tapering off. Strong southerly winds on Thursday announced the approaching front.
For the weekend, residents of deep South Texas were warned to expect temperatures in the mid-50s to low 60s, with lows in the 40s and 50s. Wind Advisories were possible, especially for the Lower Valley, according to NWS, which said there was also high potential for a Coastal Flood Statement or Advisory on Friday during the period of high tide.
A High Surf Advisory and High Rip Current Risk are in effect through Friday afternoon. A rapid surge of water was expected, with water possibly reaching the dunes on narrow beaches.
“We may need to reissue some or all of these coastal hazards through the weekend,” said NWS Meteorologist Amber McGinnis.
For Saturday and Sunday, continued tidal run-up was expected to be a factor, limiting available beach space especially in late afternoon and evening.
Friday’s Gale Warning ending at 7 p.m. covers the Laguna Madre, or the coastal area from the Rio Grande to Baffin Bay. The Gale Warning for Gulf waters up to 60 nautical miles offshore extends to 1 a.m. Saturday. NWS recommended that mariners secure smaller vessels and stay in port, seek safe harbor and alter course as necessary to avoid the gale conditions.
“Gale-force wind gusts will be very hazardous for small craft and could cause damage to poorly fastened masts and loose items above deck,” McGinnis said. “Small craft operators should postpone plans and remain in port until conditions improve by Saturday evening. Larger vessels and ships should prepare for some difficulty.”
Northerly winds Friday and Saturday were forecast to reach 20 to 30 mph, with gusts to 35 mph. Northeasterly winds on Sunday were expected to reach 15 to 25 mph, gusting to 30 mph. Temperatures were forecast to be in the 60s by Friday afternoon.
“Intense rip currents,” or out-flowing water, were forecast through the weekend, and beach goers were advised to avoid the surf through Saturday.
“Surfers will find difficult conditions due to the rough/confused wave conditions, with surf reaching five to eight feet,” McGinnis said.
NWS predicted driving on the beach “may be difficult to impossible,” while moderate beach erosion will be possible with a strong enough wave push.
Sunday morning’s apparent (feels like) temperatures were expected to be 45 degrees for the Brownsville area, 42 for Harlingen and 54 for Port Isabel, with increasing chilliness up the Valley. Apparent temperatures for McAllen and Weslaco were forecast to be 39 degrees, and for San Juan 37 degrees, according to NWS.
“Residents should ensure space heaters or heating systems are in good operating condition, and repair or replace if not operating safely,” McGinnis said.
