Houston, TX – Drivers across the Houston metro could face dangerous travel Wednesday afternoon as strong thunderstorms move along a cold front, bringing damaging wind gusts, heavy rain and sudden slowdowns on several of the region’s busiest highways.
According to the National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston, storms are expected to develop late Wednesday morning and intensify through the afternoon as the front moves across Southeast Texas. Areas north and east of Houston, including College Station and Livingston, are under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe storms, while the remainder of the region remains under a Marginal Risk.
For motorists, the biggest concern will be sudden bursts of wind and rain along major routes such as Interstate 45 from The Woodlands into downtown Houston, Interstate 10 through Katy and Baytown, and U.S. 59/I-69 running north toward Cleveland and south toward Sugar Land. Gusts over 58 mph could bring down tree limbs near roadways and cause brief traffic disruptions during the afternoon commute.
Heavy rain may also reduce visibility quickly. Some storms could produce rainfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour, which may lead to minor street flooding and ponding on low-lying stretches of Loop 610, Beltway 8 and feeder roads near downtown Houston.
Transportation officials urge drivers to slow down during storms, allow extra stopping distance and never drive through flooded roadways. Storms should gradually weaken late Wednesday night as the cold front moves offshore, though additional advisories may be issued if storms intensify.
