HOUSTON (CW39) – A Flash flood watch is in effect for Portions of south-central Texas and southeast Texas until Friday evening at 7PM. This includes Coastal Jackson Inland Jackson, Coastal Matagorda, Inland Matagorda and Matagorda Islands.
The upper-level low that is circulating over the SW TX coast will continue to be the driver of these heavy rain producing storms for coastal regions. Rainfall rates could be seen anywhere from 2-3″ per hour. Grounds here are already saturated and cannot withhold much more rainfall. Therefore, runoff will aid in the threat of inland and street flooding through Friday. Residents near rivers, lakes, and bayous should take caution.
The continued presence of surface low pressure in South Texas will result in additional periods of heavy rainfall through Friday afternoon along the SE TX coast. Given the antecedent rainfall of Wednesday, additional heavy rains mean a heightened flash flooding risk for these locations.
There is a moderate risk of flash flooding through tonight along SE TX coast between Port Lavaca and Freeport. Additionally, there is a slight risk of flash flooding that extends further inland (see graphic below). Forecast models show the potential for up to 4-6″ of additional rainfall through Friday afternoon. The greatest threat for heavy rainfall is expected to come this evening.
This precipitation, in addition to rainfall from Wednesday which has significantly increased soil moisture, will have the potential to result in the flooding of streets, roads, creeks, rivers, and bayous. The National Weather Service for Houston/Galveston has extended the Flash Flood Watch until 7 PM on Friday, by which the low pressure system is expected to dissipate. Strong rip currents will continue along Gulf-facing beaches through Friday. Across the coastal waters, gusty winds due to strong thunderstorms may result in locally higher waves.
