Floods threaten Houston as forecasters eye possible tropical storm
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Satellite view of the storms as of Monday afternoon. Image: NOAA
A tropical storm could form in the Gulf this week, possibly marking the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season — but regardless, Houston should brace for heavy rain.
Why it matters: The forecast puts Southeast Texas at risk of flash flooding and rising rivers and bayous and threatens to interrupt World Cup activities.
Threat level: Greater Houston could see up to 10 inches of rain regardless of whether the storm formally develops, the National Weather Service (NWS) warns. Southeast Texas is under a flood watch through Thursday morning.
- Widespread totals of 4 to 7 inches are expected, with higher amounts near 10 inches in isolated areas, NWS Houston meteorologist Cameron Self tells Axios.
What they're saying: Self says the formation of a bona fide tropical storm won't "change the forecast that much" other than potentially higher winds near the coast.
- "The primary concern is going to be the heavy rainfall regardless of development," Self says, adding that rainfall on Sunday and Monday (up to 5 inches in parts of Harris County) means the ground is saturated and less likely to absorb any more runoff.
- Forecasters are also monitoring rivers and bayous for potential flooding, Self says.
Zoom out: The low-pressure system could develop into a "short-lived" tropical storm Wednesday into Thursday, the National Hurricane Center said Monday afternoon.
- If so, it will be named Arthur.
State of play: Mayor John Whitmire on Monday ordered Lake Houston to be lowered to accommodate for additional rainfall.
- The city also staged barricades in flood-prone areas to quickly cut off access to drivers if needed and readied heavy trucks for potential water rescues.
- "I urge residents and visitors alike to stay informed, use caution on the roads and never drive through flooded streets," Whitmire said in a statement.
CenterPoint Energy mobilized 2,600 personnel to respond to power and gas emergencies and activated its emergency operations center ahead of the weather threat.
- Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday also issued a disaster declaration for dozens of Texas counties, including Harris.
Zoom in: The forecast comes as thousands of fans prepare to attend Wednesday's World Cup match between Portugal and Congo.
- Monday's rainfall forced the closure of FIFA's Fan Festival in East Downtown and could threaten activities through the week.
- Houston officials urge World Cup fans to sign up for tailored public safety alerts, including hazardous weather warnings, by texting "HOUWC26" to 888777.
The bottom line: The public is encouraged to text "AlertHouston" to 888777 for alerts and monitor Houston OEM and NWS Houston on social media for realtime information.