Houston, Texas – Low-lying highways across the Gulf Coast could become impassable by Sunday night as repeated rounds of heavy rain drench communities from eastern Texas to the Florida Panhandle.
According to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, a widespread 3 to 5 inches of rain is expected across parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and northwest Florida through early next week. Some localized pockets could push higher where storms repeatedly track over the same counties, increasing the flash flood threat.
Louisiana and Mississippi sit in the bull’s-eye for the heaviest totals, with rainfall rates capable of overwhelming drainage systems in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Gulfport. Along the I-10 corridor, standing water may develop quickly during downpours, especially near underpasses and poorly drained urban roads. In southeast Texas, areas east of Houston toward Beaumont could see creeks and bayous rise by late Sunday.
Farther east, coastal Alabama and the western Florida Panhandle, including Mobile and Pensacola, face the risk of street flooding and delayed travel during peak rainfall periods. Rural roads near the Pearl and Pascagoula river basins may also see water approach shoulders if heavier bands stall.
Drivers should avoid water-covered roads, secure outdoor items and monitor local alerts. Additional flood advisories or flash flood warnings may be issued as the rain shield expands and lingers into early next week.
