This advancing surge combines with the normal tide, winds and waves to create the hurricane storm tide or storm surge, which can increase the mean water level 15 feet or more. Two cities located near the mouth of the Rio Grande were almost completely destroyed by the Storm Surge in 1867. After the hurricane in 1874, these two towns were never rebuilt. Each year several swimmers drown on South Padre because of rip currents. Rip Currents is a current that can pull you away from shore.
Most swimmers try to swim against the current and become fatigued and drown.
Rip Currents or Rip Tides can happen any time of year and do increase prior to Tropical Cyclones.