Flooding downpours to target Houston, New Orleans at midweek

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

April 12,2016; 7:06AM,EDT

 

 

A band of quick-hitting rain will raise concerns for flash flooding and travel hazards along the western Gulf Coast at midweek.
In the wake of the severe weather starting this week, a new storm system will spread a band of drenching rain and thunderstorms from central Texas to Louisiana Tuesday night into Wednesday.

The downpours are expected to run along the I-10 corridor from San Antonio, Texas, to Houston to New Orleans.
The thunderstorms will first erupt along the Mexican border around Del Rio, Texas, Tuesday evening. These thunderstorms have the potential to be severe with hail and strong winds. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
RELATED:
South Central US interactive radar
AccuWeather MinuteCast® for your location
Three ways to help pets cope with fear of storms
The threat will transition to flash flooding overnight Tuesday as the thunderstorms spread to San Antonio and Houston.
A total of 1-3 inches of rain can be unleashed by the thunderstorms in a matter of six hours or less. Flash flooding can result in urban and poor drainage areas. Small streams can rapidly rise and spill onto neighboring land and roads.

Extreme flooding causes problems in Las Vegas, Nevada

Even if flooding does not ensue, the downpours will create hazards for motorists by reducing visibility and heightening the risk of vehicles hydroplaning at highway speeds. Airline passengers may encounter delays.
Residents of Houston can anticipate a slow morning commute on Wednesday before the rain tapers off for the afternoon.
The rain, thunderstorms and slower travel will focus from the central Gulf Coast to southern Georgia on Thursday, while Texas dries out. Any patchy morning fog would be the only lingering impact to travelers.