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Port Aransas beach-goers ready to stay out of Beta's way

Posted at 10:51 PM, Sep 19, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-20 01:04:13-04

PORT ARANSAS, Texas — Beach cities like Port Aransas are noticing a change within the area waters due to Beta.

Beach visitors who experienced aggressive high tides at the beaches on Saturday caused many to turn around and go back home.

“Maybe we should be worried, but we’re not overly worried,” said Port Aransas homeowner Becky Marsh.

Marsh says she knows from firsthand experience on the impact of a major storm can bring after losing her previous property due to Hurricane Harvey.

“If you wind up having severe property damage it’s pretty devastating,” said Marsh.

Marsh is trying to sell her current home and has potential buyers traveling all the way from Dallas to inspect it. The homeowner says getting this home ready for a sale takes a lot of effort.

“So with that said, we’re trying to make the home look livable and wonderful as we can so that means we probably won’t board up the windows or do anything crazy,” said Marsh.

However, on the beach, visitors are seeing many changes with the currents and high tides washing to shore.

“It’s up past the barrier, it’s getting into the parking areas," said Wade Turner, who is visiting from San Antonio with family and friends. "Now, I’ve never see it like this. We come down at least twice a year every year, seven or eight times this year. I’ve never seen it like this."

Turner says after learning so many more details about Beta, he has decided to pack his things and take his family back home.

“The waves are a lot of fun," he said. "But when they’re up to your waist you really have a hard time not being sucked back in out or over."

Turner advises folks, especially to visitors who are not familiar with Coastal Bend waters to act fast and to be smart.

“To me, it’s safety first, especially since we have the kids with us," Turner said. "So, I would rather get ahead of the weather."

Our KRIS 6 news team spoke to Port Aransas Mayor Charles Bujan who has sent out a Proclamation of Disaster stating extraordinary measures must be taken.

The City of Port Aransas along with law enforcement have closed access roads to the beach to keep tourist and residents safe from dangerous waters.

“But if you love the beach and you love Port A. This is where you want to be, you’re going to want to come back," Marsh said. "They always say Port A strong and I do believe has come back stronger and I think if something happens, we’ll do it again."

Bujan says the beaches will be closed due to Beta, until further notice.