Tag Archive for: Tropical storm warning

Tropical Storm Warning, Flood Watch for Inland Harris County

7/7/24, 10:30 AM – The National Weather Service (NWS) and FEMA have issued a tropical storm warning that includes Houston, Kingwood and Spring.

Beryl is moving closer to the Texas Coast and turning a little more northward. Although it has not yet re-intensified into a hurricane, the National Hurricane Center predicts it will, and that it could even turn into a Category 2 before landfall. The center will likely pass near the west side of Houston.

NWS and FEMA have also issued a flood watch that will last until 7AM on Tuesday, July 9. It includes most of SE Texas.

Beryl position at 8:30 AM CDT.  A turn toward the NNW and N is likely today before Beryl reaches the coast.

Tropical Storm Force Winds Expected in North Houston Tonight

Tropical storm force winds could arrive this evening. The high winds will spread inland toward the I-10 corridor by early Monday morning. They should reach the HWY 105 corridor by sunrise Monday.

So authorities urge you to finish hurricane prep as soon as possible.

Re-Intensification into Hurricane Possible

According to Harris County Meteorologist Jeff Lindner, “Beryl is starting to move into more favorable conditions for development and if/when an inner core forms…more rapid intensification will be possible.”

NHC forecasts that Beryl will make landfall at 85mph. However, they also say that winds could reach 100mph.

In inland Harris County, winds could average 45-55 MPH with gusts to 80 MPH.

“There remains the potential for fairly significant intensification of Beryl in the last 12 hours prior to landfall.”

Jeff Lindner, Harris County Meteorologist

Prolonged Power Outages Predicted

Lindner warns the public to be prepared for extended power outages. Widespread power outages are now likely over a large part of the area on Monday.

Downed trees and tree limbs as well as damage to roofs, windows, etc. will all be possible.

Centerpoint issued a press release saying that it is already mobilizing crews.

All outdoor objects should be safely secured by this evening in the hurricane and tropical storm warning areas.

Tropical storm force winds will reach the coast this evening. They will spread inland toward the I-10 corridor by early Monday morning and reach the HWY 105 corridor by sunrise Monday.

Excessive Rainfall and Flooding Potential

Widespread rainfall amounts of 5-10 inches are likely along and to the right of the track of Beryl, with isolated higher amounts under bands where training occurs. Banding may continue into Monday night and possibly Tuesday.

The heaviest rainfall will likely be west of I-45 on Monday. High rainfall rates in bands will produce urban flooding and rapid rises on area creeks and bayous.

Some flooding of creeks, bayous and rivers will be possible with the forecasted rainfall. River responses will continue into mid- to late week.

FEMA’s flood watch lasts through Tuesday morning. It says, “Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.”

Expect street flooding, as well as rises along area rivers, creeks, streams, and bayous.

Other Dangers Near Coast

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) cautions that there is a danger of life-threatening storm surge inundation along the coast of Texas from the north entrance to the Padre Island National Seashore to Sabine Pass. That includes Matagorda Bay and Galveston Bay. Residents in those areas should follow any advice given by local officials and follow evacuation orders.

Expect 4-6 feet of surge in Matagorda Bay and 3-5 feet in Galveston Bay.

NHC also say that rip currents will cause life-threatening beach conditions through Monday across much of the Gulf Coast. Beachgoers should heed warning flags and the advice of lifeguards and local officials before venturing into the water.

Finally, NHC says that a few tornadoes could occur along the middle and upper Texas Coast through tonight, and across eastern Texas and western Louisiana on Monday.

Lake Report

At this moment, Lake Houston is releasing 9,626 CFS…the most the lake’s old gates can release at one time.

Lake Conroe is not pre-releasing any water; the lake is currently 9 inches below its normal level. The SJRA’s models predict that should be enough to handle the expected rainfall north of the lake. Let’s hope they are right.

For the Most Up-to-the-Minute Information,..

Monitor what’s happening near you on the Harris County Flood Warning System.

Track the status of the storm at the National Hurricane Center website.

The National Weather Service is the most reliable source for local weather information and warnings. It also predicts when flood peaks will arrive.

To monitor the status of Lake Conroe levels/releases, visit the San Jacinto River Authority website.

To monitor the status of Lake Houston levels/releases, visit the Coastal Water Authority website.

Posted by Bob Rehak at 10AM on 7/7/24

2504 Days since Hurricane Harvey