Flash flood warning issued for southern Houston metro area

Unfortunately, as expected, the ingredients have come together this afternoon and evening to focus development of strong thunderstorms across much of the Houston metro area. As much as 3 inches of rain have fallen across southern and southwest parts of Harris County, including the NRG Stadium area, causing minor to major street flooding.

These areas are now under a flash flood warning until 8:15pm CT.

A flash flood warning is in effect for this area until 8:15pm CT. (National Weather Service)
A flash flood warning is in effect for this area until 8:15pm CT. (National Weather Service)

The timing is terrible because there were a lot of outdoor (and indoor) activities planned this evening around town, from sporting events to graduations. But the sea breeze has combined with the sagging front to create slow-moving storms that are bringing heavy rains, some gusty winds and hail.

With the loss of daytime heating we should see a gradual diminishing of storms from sunset to around midnight. If that’s not going to be the case I will update later this evening.

As the atmosphere appears to be pretty worked over I think Sunday will be a day mostly for light rain, if any rain. We might even see some sunshine. But as the atmosphere recharges we’re going to set back up for some heavier rain on Monday. Although it’s not clear whether we’ll see the rain during the early morning hours or later in the day, most areas are going to see 1 to 4 inches of rain, with higher isolated totals. I’ll try to get a better handle on the Monday rains tomorrow, after we get through this evening’s storms.

Posted at 5:30pm CT on Saturday by Eric Berger

8 thoughts on “Flash flood warning issued for southern Houston metro area”

  1. I live 6 blocks south of the JCC on South Braeswood. The street flooding at my intersection is worse than it was at the Tax Day flood, however, I am guessing that the bayou is still in its banks.

  2. Call me crazy, Eric, but I think Gov. Abbot needs to issue a mandatory evacuation order for Houston and surrounding areas, and right now!

  3. I agree with you, Worrybug. Eric, did you know that the SPC has Houston in a 15% slight risk area for Day 4, Monday (!) And when they put our area under a severe weather risk by day 4, you just KNOW somebody’s going to get hurt!

  4. Eric, you said:

    “With the loss of daytime heating we should see a gradual diminishing of storms from sunset to around midnight. If that’s not going to be the case I will update later this evening.”

    I’d say it’s not going to be the case, Eric. I’m still hearing thunder and some heavy rain’s still falling. What’s more, the click2houston’s radars are alive with thunderstorms.

    My advice: Update.

  5. I would not want to see any sunshine, Eric. IMHO, clearing might destabilize the atmosphere further and lead to a worse rain event on Monday. Let me know if you agree.

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