Corpus Christi, Texas – Residents across South Texas face an increasing flood threat over the next several days as tropical moisture streams inland, bringing the potential for rainfall rates capable of overwhelming roads and drainage systems in a matter of hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Corpus Christi, a Flood Watch remains in effect through Thursday morning for all of South Texas. Forecasters expect a combination of deep tropical moisture, a stalled frontal boundary, daily seabreeze activity and a broad area of low pressure over northeastern Mexico to generate repeated rounds of heavy rain.
Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected across the western Coastal Plains and Brush Country, while much of the eastern Coastal Plains could receive 3 to 6 inches. Isolated locations may see 8 to 10 inches of rain, with rainfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour and localized bursts approaching 5 inches per hour.
The threat extends from Corpus Christi and Rockport to Kingsville, Alice, Victoria, Beeville, Laredo and surrounding communities. Flooding of low-lying roads, urban areas, creeks and small rivers is increasingly likely where repeated storms develop.
The National Hurricane Center is also monitoring a disturbance over the western Gulf with a 50% chance of development during the next seven days. However, local officials stress that impacts do not depend on tropical cyclone formation. The primary concern remains excessive rainfall, flash flooding, gusty winds and possible coastal flooding.
Residents should avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, monitor weather alerts closely and never drive through flooded roadways. Additional flood watches, warnings and advisories may be issued as rainfall intensifies through midweek.
