Port Lavaca, Texas

A trough of low pressure over the western Gulf of Mexico is
expected to move north into the northwest Gulf of Mexico later
tonight. This will lead to increasing east to northeast flow
today with a strong northeast flow developing by late this
afternoon across the offshore waters. The low will eventually
merge with Tropical Storm Ida... as Ida moves into the northern
Gulf Coast early next week.

The combination of the western Gulf low and Ida will lead to
higher waves over the Gulf waters and increasing long period
swells. This will increase the tide levels along the middle Texas
coast. Minor coastal flooding is likely around the time of high
tide along the Texas coast especially today and tonight. Tide
levels are expected to be around 1 foot above normal... or 2 to 2
1/2 feet above mean sea level on the beach side of the barrier
islands. This will cause minor flooding of area beaches.

The next high tide at Port Aransas will occur at 1036 PM CST this
evening. At Port O'Connor... high tide occurred at 418 am Sunday
morning... with the next high tide expected at 501 am Monday
morning.

In addition to the coastal flooding... high swells will lead to
dangerous rip currents along the coast today. Rip currents can be
life threatening even to experienced swimmers and surfers. The
concern for rip currents will diminish by Monday as winds shift
more to the north.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

Swimming and other marine-related activities are highly
discouraged due to the threat from heavy surf and rip currents.
Heavy surf and rip currents pose a danger to anyone in the water.

If you are caught in a rip current... do not panic. Escape the
current by swimming in a direction following the shoreline until
you are free from the rip current.

Driving on area beaches is discouraged as water levels could rise
trapping vehicles on the beach during high tide.

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or your local media for the latest
updates on this situation... as a coastal Flood Watch may be
required later depending on the progress of Tropical Storm Ida as
it moves into the Gulf.