Deadly Surf Conditions Expected in Crystal Beach and Galveston

Tropical Storm Conditions?

That's a bizarre headline to post in the middle of winter, but the National Weather Service is warning residents of the Texas coastline from Port Aransas to Port Arthur to stay off the beaches through Tuesday.

A storm system will be bringing intense onshore tropical storm force winds gusting to 50+ mph throughout the day on Tuesday. This has prompted the National Weather Service in Houston to issue a Beach Hazards Statement for Galveston/Crystal Beach area.

This means that dangerous rip currents, tides 2 to 5 feet above normal, and even sneaker waves are possible.  In case you're wondering, these types of waves are rogue, strong waves that can unexpectedly surge onto the beach and carry persons out into the ocean.

As If That Weren't Enough

The Storm Prediction Center is also warning residents along the mid to upper Texas coast and along the Louisiana coastline to brace for the high probability of severe weather.

EF2 or stronger tornadoes (111+ mph) are possible throughout much of the gulf coastal region.

In fact, winds gusting to over 50 mph are possible throughout much of the southern half of Louisiana.  One forecast model shows winds gusting to nearly 70 mph between Lafayette to Alexandria.

What's in Store for the Pineywoods?

Basically, a lot of rain and wind. Two to three inches of rain could fall from the storms that pass over our area on Tuesday. Winds could gust up to 35 mph.  That's somewhat short of what the winds will be along the coastline, but I would avoid parking underneath trees.

A few storms could become severe, but the likelihood of those will be higher to the south of Lufkin and Nacogdoches.

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