Water Levels During Hurricane Bret

This page presents a summary of the water-level changes observed during the week of August 20-26, 1999, as a result of Hurricane Bret. For reference, Hurricane Bret made landfall near the Rincon del San Jose station at around 23:00 UTC on August 22.

Corpus Christi Area Stations

The following graph presents water levels observed at Corpus Christi area tide gages during the week of August 20-26, 1999. Bob Hall Pier reported tides 2.5 feet above mean sea level--these tides occurred at around the time that Bret made landfall and again twelve hours later. Water levels within Corpus Christi Bay did not peak until twelve hours after Bret's landfall, with most Corpus Christi Bay stations reporting maximum water-level elevations of 2.0 to 2.5 feet above normal.

Laguna Madre Stations

Water levels at North Laguna Madre stations were substantially lowered as Bret approached the coast, probably due to strong easterly winds forcing the water away from the gage platforms. The Rincon del San Jose platform was overturned during the storm about the time that the eye crossed the area. The Port Mansfield station reported a 1.0 foot increase in water level in the hours prior to Bret's landfall, followed by a sharp and prolonged absence of water (the long flat area of the graph). Water levels throughout the Laguna Madre remained elevated during the week following Hurricane Bret.

Wind Speeds at Selected Stations

Note: CBI-DNR's wind sensors have not been calibrated or tested at high wind velocities, therefore these values may be inaccurate.