Gulf Beach Forecast for Labor Day Weekend – What to Expect
(KMDL-FM) For a tropical season that was supposed to be "below average," Louisiana has had its share of interactions. We just had a system in the Gulf yesterday, and a lot of us have plans involving the Gulf for Labor Day Weekend. What will conditions be like along the beaches in the wake of a tropical system?
Storm systems in the Gulf can stir up rip currents and elevate the presence of dangerous marine life along and near the beaches where they pass. If you plan to visit Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and/or Texas beaches this weekend. Here's what we think you should be planning for.
What Effect Will the Tropical Storm Have on Gulf Coast Beaches Over Labor Day?
I think of the five named storms we have experienced this season that Louisiana has been impacted by; three of them. Arthur brought us rain in June, Bertha bounced across the state from east to west in July, and Edouard just came ashore yesterday near the Texas-Louisiana line.
The good news is all of those storms are in the past, and Labor Day Weekend is in the future, and if you want to travel to where the map turns blue, you should be fine at many places in the Gulf South this weekend.
What Are the Expected Beach Conditions Along the Louisiana Coast for Labor Day?
Louisiana Beaches: These beaches, along with the beaches of the Upper Texas coast, took the brunt of Tropical Storm Edouard. Beachgoers can expect a moderate risk of rip currents through the weekend. There will also be a higher-than-normal chance of afternoon and early evening showers and thunderstorms. Gulf-facing beaches could see a moderate chop with seas of 2 to 3 feet.
We would also encourage anyone traveling to a Louisiana beach to check out the current Beach Advisories List from the Louisiana Department of Health. Currently, only three beaches show an active advisory, but heavy rains from Edouard could enhance and increase bacteria levels.
What Are the Expected Beach Conditions Along the Upper Texas Coast for Labor Day?
Galveston/Upper Texas Coast Beaches: These beaches will still have lingering effects from Tropical Storm Edouard. You should expect a threat of strong to moderate rip currents, especially around the jetties. Make sure you check the Beach Warning Flags for the specific forecast for the beach you're visiting.
READ MORE: CDC Health Report for All Gulf Coast Cruise Ships Released
Showers and storms will be more likely at Galveston Island and along the Upper Texas Coast for a large part of the holiday weekend. Again, heavy rain from the tropical system could enhance and increase bacteria levels. Check the safety of those beaches here. Avoid getting into the water with any open cuts or sores; that's always great advice.
What Are the Beach Conditions Along the Mississippi Coast for Labor Day?
Mississippi Gulf Coast Beaches: These beaches are a little further away from the effects of the recent tropical system, but you should still expect a threat of some rip currents; hopefully that won't be the case. But as of now, you should be good; just check the flags before you get into the water. You do need to be mindful of bacteria too.
Showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon are possible over the holiday weekend; heat might be a bigger issue. But, speaking of heat, I think I would spend some time in the air-conditioned casinos; those properties are some of the hottest in gaming. Mississippi Gulf Coast casinos have paid almost three dozen jackpots of $100,000 or more this summer. I think I could use the money more than I could use the tan.
What Are the Beach Conditions Along the Alabama and Florida Coasts for Labor Day?
Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast Beaches: Rip currents should not be an issue for those who want to frolic in the waves this weekend. As you can see from the graphic above, the rip current risk is low heading into the long holiday weekend. You will still want to be mindful of Beach Warning Flags before entering the water.
There have been cases of "flesh-eating" bacteria reported along this stretch of the coast, so do check out the Alabama Beach Report here and the Florida Beach Report here. Don't get in the water with open wounds, sores, or cuts.
READ MORE: Flesh-Eating Bacteria Death Confirmed Along Gulf Coast
Heavy rains could also enhance the appearance of dangerous sea life in the area, but as of now, there have been no confirmed reports on the more popular stretches of beach from Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores across the Florida Panhandle to Panama City.
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Gallery Credit: Michael Scott
