Houstan- A storm system that was tracking toward Southeast Texas has weakened significantly, and area storm warnings have officially been lifted. But according to federal weather officials, the region isn’t in the clear just yet.
The system, now downgraded to a depression, was tracked roughly 10 miles north-northeast of Houston Thursday evening, moving west at around 13 mph. Wind speeds have dropped to near 35 mph, and forecasters expect it to weaken further and break apart overnight. No coastal watches or warnings remain active at this time.
Despite the downgrade, officials say the region should still brace for scattered showers, isolated thunderstorms, and pockets of flash flooding, particularly in areas west of Interstate 45. Rainfall totals along the Gulf Coast and into South Texas are expected to average 1 to 3 inches, with some isolated locations potentially seeing up to 4 inches, raising concerns about flooding in urban zones.
Coastal residents have also been warned about gusty winds near shoreline areas, elevated sea levels through the next high tide, and a moderate-to-high risk of dangerous rip currents that could persist through the night.
While Houston is no longer facing a major wind threat, officials say heavy rain and rough surf conditions remain the primary concern through the overnight hours.
This marks the second tropical system of the Atlantic hurricane season, following a storm last month that brought heavy flooding to parts of the southeastern United States. Federal forecasters have projected a below-average hurricane season overall, though officials caution that doesn’t rule out the possibility of a major storm forming later in the season.
Coastal Mississippi communities, still recovering from flood damage caused by last month’s storm, are once again on alert. A local emergency official said residents in flood-hit areas are watching this system closely given what they experienced recently. As of the latest update, no shelters have been opened and no evacuation orders have been issued in the affected counties.