Strong storms prompt flash flood warnings for Harris, Galveston, Fort Bend counties

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Potential street flooding is possible with the storms; more severe weather expected Saturday

Strong storms with heavy rain, thunder and lightning are pushing through the Greater Houston area this afternoon.

A flash flood warning is in effect for Harris and Galveston counties until 5:45 p.m. and until 6:30 p.m. for Sugar Land, Missouri City and Stafford.

The heaviest rains are southwest of Houston.

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Wind gusts of 50-55 mph are possible.

“Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding,” the National Weather Service tweeted. “Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”

KHOU 11 Meteorologist Erika Lopez said rainfall rates in some areas are falling as much as four inches per hour.

There are high-water spots near Pasadena, including at the Beltway 8 feeder roads at:

  • Spencer Highway in both directions
  • Pasadena Boulevard in both directions
  • Red Bluff Road in both directions
  • Sycamore Avenue in both directions

We’ll be on weather watch this Saturday as abundant moisture and an upper level disturbance combine to produce the threat for heavy rain. 

A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for San Jacinto, Polk, Montgomery, Liberty, Colorado, Waller, Harris, Chambers, Wharton, Fort Bend, Matagorda, Brazoria and Galveston counties from Friday night until 7 p.m. Saturday.

The heaviest of the rain is expected Saturday morning. Rainfall rates of 3 inches per hour will be possible.  Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches expected widespread with isolated areas seeing 6 inches or more. A few of these storms may train, and these storms will be strong enough to be capable of flooding roads, low water crossings, small creeks and bayous.  

By Saturday evening, the threat will be ending and it looks like it may not be a washout of a weekend after all! A few scattered showers may be lingering through Sunday before a dry air mass moves in for next week with plenty of sunshine.   

Get the KHOU11 app and stay close to the weather with us this weekend.