A number of Cameron County beaches have been closed because of high surf caused by Hurricane Katia.
Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. ordered the temporary closure of County Beach Access No. 5, County Beach Access No. 6 and Boca Chica Beach to pedestrian and vehicle traffic due to the tides and undriveable conditions.
“Because of this we ask that all individuals be cautious when visiting our beaches and heed to the advice of the “Flag Advisory System” signage,” said Treviño in a news release.
He said the other county beaches, including Isla Blanca Park and Andy Bowie Park on South Padre Island are still open until further notice.
The National Weather Service in Brownsville says Katia, a cateogory two hurricane headed toward Veracruz, Mexico, is also creating dangerous conditions in the water.
Forecasters say the risk of rip currents is high and strong breaking waves will make swimming very difficult through the weekend. A high surf advisory remains in effect until 7 a.m. Saturday and a high rip current risk is in place through Saturday morning.
Friday’s rain totals varied depending on where you live in the Rio Grande Valley. The NWS says more than two inches of rain fell along State Highway 4 near Boca Chica Beach while rain totals at the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport were slightly less at 1.5 inches. Some areas of the Valley received less than half an inch of rain. The forecast calls for no rain over the weekend.
