Tropical update - Big rainmaker event coming to Texas

The first tropical storm of the season could be named as early as today. Tropical storm warnings are now in effect for the northeastern coast of Mexico through Port O’Connor, Texas.

We discussed this possibility last week. The Gulf of Mexico continues to be prime territory for tropical formation, and here we will find the first named tropical system, which will be Alberto. For now, this system is labeled Potential Tropical Cyclone One. It is located about 400 miles southeast of Brownsville, Texas, and moves slowly, at 6 mph to the north.

This system will gradually make a west-northwest turn starting tonight and will likely reach the northeastern coast of Mexico late Wednesday. Keep in mind this system, rotating counterclockwise, will push most of its tropical moisture onto the Texas coast, and heavy showers and storms will be affecting this area through much of the week, many moving well inland over Central and North Texas eventually.

The weather will quickly start to deteriorate along the Texas Coast by this afternoon as the very first bands of this system move onshore – yes, even with the system possibly not named and over 400 miles away. South Texas could receive up to 15 inches of rain, while 6 to 8 inches along the coast will be possible. Cities on the immediate coast will receive the highest rainfall, while Houston is set to receive up to 5 inches of rain through Thursday. Keep in mind that some rainbands will come packed with more moisture and spots with higher rainfall are possible.

This is a rainmaker event, not a wind event. So, it is important to remember that regardless of whether the system gets a name or not, the moisture is there, and it is coming, and the biggest danger will be flooding. Please don´t try to cross flooded roads. River, creeks, and Bayou levels will be increasing. Please monitor them and follow the authorities’ orders as soon as they are given.