ABC13 Weather Alert Days: Heavy downpours expected to bring flash flooding to Southeast Texas
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- After rounds of heavy rain Monday led to flash flooding across parts of Houston, we're continuing the ABC13 Weather Alert Days through Wednesday with more tropical downpours incoming. The National Weather Service is spotlighting the "potential for life-threatening flash flooding" in Southeast Texas, adding that "there is an increased danger to lives and property due to flash flooding. Flash Flooding is likely and considerable flash flooding is possible." The widespread Flood Watch for Southeast Texas is now in effect until 7 a.m. Thursday.
Numerous showers and thunderstorms will redevelop along the coast Tuesday morning. Those showers are expected to expand inland bringing another wave of heavy rain into the city before lunchtime. Street flooding could become widespread once again during the middle of the day and continuing into the evening drive. Rain will continue off and on throughout the day Tuesday with temperatures ranging from the mid 70s to low 80s.
What is the weather pattern bringing this heavy rain?
Tropical moisture is approaching extreme levels for mid-June right as two weather systems converge on Southeast Texas. A low pressure system developing over South Texas will feed that tropical air into a front expected to stall out near I-10 the next couple of days. This will focus torrential downpours over Southeast Texas that could lead to flash flooding. Not only is widespread street flooding possible, but home and businesses could also flood in some places where bayous and creeks exceed their banks. It is impossible to tell at this time which bayous and creeks are at highest risk of flooding since we can't pinpoint where the highest rain totals will fall, hence the need to stay weather aware.
How much rain could we get over the next few days?
At this time we expect rain totals to average between 4 to 7 inches through Thursday, and while some will get less than this range, others could easily pick up over 10 inches of rain. Remember, it only takes 2" of rain in one hour to overwhelm the storm drainage, causing streets to flood. Drivers will need to be extremely careful on the roadways as flooding downpours are possible at any time these next few days. Lightning is also a big concern with many outdoor events happening around town, so just remember when thunder roars, go indoors!
When will all of this tropical moisture clear out?
That depends on the track and speed of the low pressure expected to develop within the tropical moisture. The tropical air should be gone by Thursday, but it could occur at some point on Wednesday if the low pressure system speeds up more than currently predicted. Once that tropical moisture clears out, rain will still be possible, but it should be less intense than what the atmosphere will bring our way the next few days.
What are you tracking in the tropics?
The National Hurricane Center is giving the low expected to develop over South Texas a 60% chance of becoming a tropical depression or storm once it moves offshore Wednesday. The track of that low will determine how much rainfall we get Wednesday and Thursday. For the latest on what's happening in the tropics, head to our Tropical Update page for our daily tropical weather discussion and forecast.
13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties
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