Houston, Texas – Residents across Southeast Texas should prepare now for a prolonged period of heavy rainfall that could lead to dangerous flooding through Wednesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Houston-Galveston, a Flood Watch remains in effect for all of Southeast Texas through Wednesday morning. Forecasters expect repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms capable of producing widespread rainfall totals of 2 to 5 inches, with isolated areas potentially receiving 6 to 8 inches or more.
The watch area includes Houston, Galveston, College Station, Conroe, Huntsville, Brenham, Sugar Land, Katy, Liberty, Livingston, Bay City, Victoria and surrounding communities. The greatest concern is not a single storm, but multiple rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall moving across the same locations through midweek.
Across Texas, rivers, bayous, creeks and other low-lying flood-prone areas could rise rapidly if heavier rainfall bands persist. Urban areas, including the Houston metropolitan region, may experience street flooding, especially where drainage systems become overwhelmed by repeated downpours.
Motorists should be prepared for water-covered roads during the morning and evening commutes over the next several days. Travel along Interstate 10, Interstate 45, U.S. 59 and the Grand Parkway could become hazardous during periods of intense rainfall and reduced visibility.
Emergency managers urge residents to remain weather aware and review flood safety plans. A Flood Watch means conditions are favorable for flooding to develop, while a Flood Warning means flooding is occurring or imminent and immediate action should be taken.
Anyone living near creeks, bayous or flood-prone roadways should closely monitor forecasts and be ready to move to higher ground if necessary. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
The flood threat is expected to continue through Wednesday morning, and additional Flood Warnings, Flash Flood Warnings or advisories may be issued as rainfall totals increase across Southeast Texas.
