Houston is bracing for two rounds of potentially severe rainfall this Saturday, which brings with it the risk of flooding and severe weather conditions. Residents should prepare for the possibility of hail, damaging winds, and even an isolated tornado threat.
The storm system is expected to arrive in two phases. The first wave will hit early Saturday morning, with strong winds and heavy rain forecasted between 4 AM and 7 AM. This initial round is anticipated to move through the Brazos Valley by 3 AM and reach Houston around 6 AM. Meteorologists warn that these storms may be severe, leading to street flooding, so outdoor activities during the early morning hours should be avoided.
By 8 AM, the first wave is expected to have moved off the coast, leaving Houston mostly dry by 10 AM. However, residents should remain vigilant throughout the day as there is a possibility of isolated pop-up storms amid windy conditions.
The second round of storms is set to arrive with a cold front Saturday evening, likely progressing more rapidly than previously anticipated. This wave is projected to reach the Brazos Valley by 7-8 PM and arrive in Houston between 9 PM and 11 PM. Fortunately, this cold front is not expected to stall, which means those with late-night plans may have to delay their outings temporarily until the storms pass.
The storms are forecasted to clear the area by early Sunday morning, around 1 AM, which will bring an end to the severe weather and flood threat for Southeast Texas. With the region experiencing dry conditions for over a month, heavy rainfall in a short period could result in street flooding in some areas, prompting a flash flood threat rated at 2 out of 4 for Saturday.
Residents are reminded to ensure their phones are set to receive alerts, including volume settings, to stay informed in case of any tornado warnings issued overnight. If you encounter flooding or severe weather in your area, sharing photos and videos with local news outlets can help keep the community informed.