Tropical system in Gulf could bring heavy rain to Texas coast

A stretch of the Gulf Coast from the Florida panhandle to the central Texas coast could see heavy rain this weekend due to a broad area of low pressure currently over the north-central Gulf.

The National Hurricane Center said in a July 25 advisory the area of low pressure is currently producing "an area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms."

However, hurricane center forecasters give this system a 10% chance of formation through the next seven days.

Will the tropical system impact Texas?

The National Weather Service said early Friday morning 1 to 3 inches of rain are expected from the Florida panhandle to the central Texas coast by Sunday morning, however the threat of flash flooding remains "marginal."

"This system is moving west-northwestward toward the Texas coast, and it has limited time to develop before it moves inland tonight," the advisory states.

The National Weather Service office in Houston-Galveston also warns of a marginal risk of "locally heavy rain" with "possible flash flooding," but "minor flooding in low-lying areas" is most likely.

Map: NWS expected rainfall outlook

Most cities along the Texas coast could expect about 1 to 2 inches of rain over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service. The Port Arthur-Beaumont area is forecast to receive the most in the state at 2.15 to 2.5 inches.

Atlantic storm tracker

This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time.

Texas weather watches and warnings

Prepare now for hurricanes

Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it’s too late.

"Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period," NOAA recommends.

• Develop an evacuation plan: If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there.
• Assemble disaster supplies: Whether you’re evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you’re going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath, NOAA said.
• Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions: Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn’t cover flooding, so you’ll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
• Create a family communication plan: NOAA said to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation.
• Strengthen your home: Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings.