Flood watches are now in effect across much of Texas from Houston to the Rio Grande Valley, with forecasters warning of a potential for life-threatening flooding in parts of the state as rounds of heavy rain are expected to continue through Memorial Day weekend. Anyone in the affected regions heading into the holiday weekend should monitor conditions closely before making travel plans.
Houston and southeast Texas: already hit hard, more rain ahead
A flood watch is in effect for portions of southeast Texas from this morning through 7 a.m. Monday, covering Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Matagorda, Wharton and Jackson counties. Several of these areas have already received between 4 and 8 inches of rain from Tuesday night through Wednesday, meaning the ground is already saturated heading into additional days of storm activity.
Scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected today and tomorrow as deep Gulf moisture continues to fuel the weather system. Heavy rain is anticipated along the coast this afternoon, with isolated storm chances extending north of Interstate 10 into the early evening hours. Gusty winds could accompany some of the stronger storms, and flash flood risk will remain elevated across the next several days.
The concern intensifies through the weekend. Houston has been placed in a level 2 out of 4 risk for street flooding Saturday and Sunday. That risk could rise if an upper-level area of low pressure develops over north Texas as forecasters expect, which would create a favorable environment for even heavier rainfall over the metro area. Memorial Day itself is expected to bring some showers but fewer storms than the two preceding days…