City Restricts Vehicle Access to Gulf Beaches Due to Dangerous Conditions

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The City is restricting vehicle access to Gulf beaches due to dangerous conditions caused by Tropical Storm Beta as it approaches the Texas and Louisiana coasts.

Access road closures are effective immediately and remain in effect until Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. If the water has not receded, the restriction may be extended.

Restricted vehicle access locations are Gulf beach Access Roads 2, 3, 3A, Newport, Zahn and Whitecap. The National Weather Service advises dangerous beach conditions and rip currents. Pedestrians are allowed but not encouraged. Bay beach conditions include North Beach experiencing flooding and McGee Beach will be impacted by storm surge.

The current forecast of Tropical Storm Beta shows it continuing to move slowly towards the Texas coast today and tomorrow; forecast track remains unchanged but intensity is now forecast for a strong tropical storm. Regardless of path, this system is likely to produce heavy rain along the coast and a long duration coastal flood event with water levels near or higher than what was observed with Hurricane Hanna.

Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Beach Operations crews are reporting large swells, extremely strong rip currents, and flooding of area Gulf beaches. The public is urged to take precautions by staying off area beaches to not risk injury during the storm surge. Beach closures have been coordinated with the Texas General Land Office.

The latest forecast of Tropical Storm Beta can be found at the National Weather Service Website: https://www.weather.gov/crp/