Flood Watches Issued for Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi Through Thursday

Millions of people across Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi are under flood alerts this week as days of heavy rain raise the risk of dangerous flash flooding across the Gulf Coast and Lower Mississippi Valley. Forecasters warn some areas could receive several inches of rain in just a few hours, overwhelming drainage systems, flooding roads and triggering water rescues in the hardest-hit locations.

The threat is particularly concerning because many areas have already received significant rainfall, leaving the ground unable to absorb much additional water.

Flash flood warnings were issued overnight for parts of South Texas, while broader flood watches cover large areas of south, southeast and south-central Texas through Thursday. Some locations have already received between 4 and 6 inches of rain, with an additional 4 to 10 inches possible in parts of the state.

Isolated areas could see more than 12 inches if storms repeatedly track over the same locations.

Rainfall rates may exceed 2 to 5 inches per hour in the strongest storms. Flood watches cover much of Louisiana, with the threat expected to continue through at least Thursday and, in some areas, Friday. Forecasters expect multiple rounds of thunderstorms capable of producing widespread rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches, with locally higher amounts possible.

Officials are also monitoring river levels, including the Mermentau River, which is forecast to reach minor flood stage later this week. Flood watches remain in effect across large portions of Mississippi through Thursday as repeated thunderstorms increase the risk of flash flooding. The NWS warns that 3 to 5 inches of rain could fall in a short period, with locally higher totals possible.