Rain to continue most of this week for Houston, flooding possible

It’s been a soggy weekend for some parts of the greater Houston region. In northwest Harris County, the Cypress and Tomball area have received 7 to 11 inches of rain, bringing Cypress Creek to bank full—but thankfully not beyond. Other areas such as Jersey Village (6 to 8 inches), Livingston (4 to 6 inches), Wharton County (4 to 6 inches), and The Woodlands (4 to 5 inches) have all gotten a lot of rain since Saturday afternoon. At the same time, some parts of the metro area (such as Spring, not far from The Woodlands) have gotten almost no precipitation at all. Such is the nature of these storms. Here’s a full list of rain totals through Sunday evening.

Rainfall totals this weekend, through 5am CT Sunday. (National Weather Service)
Rainfall totals this weekend, through 5am CT Sunday. (National Weather Service)

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Houston sees some heavy rains, but no major flooding yet

Northwest and northern Harris County have again been the focus of heavy rains this afternoon, and some areas along Cypress Creek have now received as much as 10 inches of rain during the last 24 hours. Fortunately it appears waterways in the area are remaining just within their banks.

After nearly 10 inches of rain Cypress Creek is holding. (HCOEM)
After nearly 10 inches of rain Cypress Creek is holding. (HCOEM)

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Heavy rains hit Houston Saturday night, more coming today and Monday

Tropical rains arrived in abundance on Saturday evening across the Houston region, proving that it only takes a matter of hours to go from near-drought like conditions to flooding. The low pressure system that flooded Louisiana on Friday and Saturday, has spread out over east Texas into a broad area of low pressure. At the same time atmospheric moisture levels are extremely high, which will allow for high hourly rainfall rates, possibly in excess of 3 inches per hour in some areas. This all adds up to the potential for ongoing and worsening flooding in Houston.

Today and Monday

The storm system has already flashed its potential this morning by dumping as much as 6 inches of rain to the northwest of Houston, near the Jersey Village area (a flash flood warning is in effect for this area). So far most bayous (including Cypress Creek and White Oak Bayou) are remaining within banks, but they have filled up quickly as the majority of the rain fell within about a three hour period. Fortunately this storm cell is now weakening, but if such an event repeats itself later today over this area, widespread flooding will likely result.

Atmospheric moisture levels are very high this morning. Anything about 2.2 inches of precipitable water is conducive for heavy rain. (Weather Bell)
Atmospheric moisture levels are very high this morning. Anything about 2.2 inches of precipitable water is conducive for heavy rain. (Weather Bell)

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Houston’s much promised pattern change has arrived, flooding possible

The much promised pattern change in Houston’s weather is finally at hand.

During the last couple of days a tropical system has completely soaked Louisiana, leading to flash flood emergencies across parts of the state, especially for parishes just north of, and along Interstate 10. Beginning later today Houston is going to see increasing amounts of moisture from this system move into the area, which should set the stage for several wet days.

How much?

It is going to be hard to nail down the particulars of when, exactly, the heaviest rain will come. But it’s safe to say, with a tropical air mass moving into place over the region, heavy rain will be possible most days beginning later today through Thursday or Friday. Not every location will get hit every day, but we should see mostly cloudy weather on most days. After five consecutive 100-degree days, and a 99-degree mark on Friday, we should see highs confined to the upper 80s to lower 90s most days.

NOAA rainfall accumulation forecast for between Friday night and Thursday. (Weather Bell)
NOAA rainfall accumulation forecast for between Friday night and Thursday. (Weather Bell)

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