A dangerous and potentially deadly flood threat is building across South Texas, and emergency officials are urging residents not to wait before taking action. A Flood Watch is now in effect through Thursday morning for all of South Texas, covering millions of people from Corpus Christi to Laredo.
Forecasters warn that a volatile combination of deep tropical moisture, a stalled frontal boundary, daily sea breeze activity and a broad low-pressure system over northeastern Mexico will trigger repeated waves of heavy rain through midweek — the kind that can turn dry streets into rushing rivers within minutes.
Expected rainfall by region
- Western Coastal Plains & Brush Country 2–4 inches
- Eastern Coastal Plains 3–6 inches
- Isolated locations (worst case) 8–10 inches
- Peak rainfall rate Up to 5 in/hr
At five inches of rain per hour, drainage systems are quickly overwhelmed. Roads that appear passable can become death traps in seconds. Communities in the direct path include Corpus Christi, Rockport, Kingsville, Alice, Victoria, Beeville and Laredo.
Adding to the concern, the National Hurricane Center is tracking a disturbance in the western Gulf of Mexico with a 50% chance of development over the next seven days. However, officials stress that a named storm is not required for catastrophic flooding to occur — the rainfall threat is severe regardless of what happens offshore.
Authorities are urging all South Texas residents to avoid travel during heavy rain periods, stay off flooded roads under any circumstances and monitor emergency alerts continuously. Additional flood warnings and advisories are expected to be issued as conditions intensify heading into midweek.
If you live in a low-lying area, near a creek, or in an area with a history of flooding — do not wait for a warning to upgrade. Begin preparations now.
