Flood threat increasing as tropical showers to soak Texas, Gulf Coast for days
Rain totals when all is said and done across Texas, Louisiana and Alabama will add up to a widespread 3-5 inches with locally higher amounts of 5 inches or more possible.
Rain, thunderstorms return to Gulf Coast on Friday
Tropical moisture is building over the Gulf of Mexico, bringing increased humidity to southeast Texas and Louisiana. This moisture could lead to significant rainfall across Texas, Louisiana and Alabama, with potential totals reaching 3-5 inches.
HOUSTON – A weekslong stretch of dry weather across Texas and the northern Gulf Coast is coming to an end this week as the region faces the threat of rounds of torrential rain and thunderstorms over the next several days.
The FOX Forecast Center said a weak area of low pressure is expected to develop close to the coast, and that will help funnel a surge of moisture in from the southern Gulf of Mexico.
(FOX Weather)
"Remember, we talk about Gulf moisture throughout hurricane season as it is playing a key role, and, again, tropical development," FOX Weather Meteorologist Kendall Smith said. "But in this situation, it's different. It's just going to bring in much-needed rain to much of the area."
That moisture, along with the proximity of a cold front, will trigger the threat of heavy rain and storms across southeastern Texas and Louisiana.
Rain totals when all is said and done across Texas, Louisiana and Alabama will add up to a widespread 3-5 inches with locally higher amounts of 5 inches or more possible. This will be beneficial for far southeastern Texas and central Alabama, which are still in severe to extreme drought.
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(FOX Weather)
The FOX Forecast Center said moisture will once again surge north over the weekend ahead of another disturbance moving in from the Southwest. That will then trigger more rounds of heavy rain from Texas to Georgia, where a few inches of rain is possible.
"We're not dealing with anything in the way of severe weather, which is good news," Smith said. "But, it is going to potentially lead to some areas of flooding concern."
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Thursday he activated emergency resources ahead of the weekend flood threat and urged residents to monitor the weather, make an emergency plan and heed the guidance of local officials.
"Remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown," Abbott said in a statement.
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(FOX Weather)