Widespread showers and thunderstorms are moving across the Houston area Monday, prompting several flood advisories as storms produce torrential rainfall.
LIVE RADAR: Thunderstorms moving across Houston area
Some of the strongest storms are capable of producing rainfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour. Rain falling that quickly can overwhelm drainage systems and lead to rapid street flooding, especially along frontage roads, underpasses and other low-lying or poor-drainage areas.
Radar estimates indicate that some communities have already received 1 to 2 inches of rain, with additional downpours possible as more storms develop and move through Southeast Texas.
Current Radar:
Several flood advisories remain in effect across portions of the Houston area due to ongoing heavy rain. A flood advisory generally means minor flooding is occurring or expected, particularly on streets and in locations that typically collect water.
Drivers should slow down, allow extra travel time and never attempt to cross a flooded roadway. Water may be deeper than it appears, and even familiar roads can become dangerous quickly during rainfall rates this intense.
Monday Afternoon:
Additional showers and thunderstorms are expected through Monday afternoon and evening. Storms may briefly weaken in some areas, but new development will remain possible as deep tropical moisture combines with a stalled boundary over Southeast Texas.
Because steering winds are light, individual storms may move slowly or repeatedly pass over the same neighborhoods. This process, often called training, could lead to localized rainfall totals significantly higher than surrounding areas.
The Gulf breeze continues to pull in tropical moisture, giving the atmosphere plenty of juice to work with. Another atmospheric element is a stalling front across north Texas that will try to wiggle south.
The energy from that frontal boundary will help a line of storms form north of I-10 Monday evening, which will continue moving south into Houston by Monday night.
Tuesday remains wet:
Storm chances stick around on Tuesday, with another day of potential flooding.
Another round of scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms is expected Tuesday. Locally heavy rainfall and isolated street flooding will remain possible, although the exact location of the heaviest rain will depend on where storms develop and train.
Clouds and rain will keep temperatures cooler than normal, with highs only reaching the mid-80s Tuesday.