Soaking rain to threaten flooding but help fight drought over southern Texas
Heavy rain will prove to be a double-edged sword for southern Texas this weekend.
Heavy rain will continue to spread across southern Texas through Saturday night, soaking Laredo, San Antonio, McAllen and Corpus Christi.
Motorists can expect slower travel on I-35 and I-37. Downpours will reduce visibility and ponding water will heighten the risk of vehicles hydroplaning when traveling at highway speeds.
“The bulk of the rain will fall on lower Rio Grande Valley during Saturday night,” AccuWeather Expert Senior Meteorologist Dan Kottlowski said.
It is not out of the question for an isolated gusty thunderstorm to also erupt over the lower Rio Grande Valley.
The recent lack of rainfall has put parts of the valley under severe drought conditions, so rain is likely to be a welcome sight for residents and farmers.
However, downpours will also bring the threat of localized flooding.
“While the rain is needed over the region, enough rain can fall to cause flash and urban flooding in some communities,” Kottlowski said.
Residents from Corpus Christi to McAllen should take precautions to prepare for the wet weather.
“Those living near streams and creeks or in low-lying areas should be prepared to move to higher ground if flooding becomes imminent, and motorists should always take caution not to drive through flooded roadways,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Kyle Elliott said.
The main area of rain will push out of the Rio Grande Valley on Sunday, while it targets areas farther north in southeastern Texas and southwestern Louisiana.
The threat for flooding downpours will become more isolated on Sunday, but outdoor plans could be disrupted.
The rain will not spread to the southern High Plains, where gusty winds and warm, dry air will keep the fire danger high to end the weekend.
“Indications are that rainfall will likely be above average over the region through April,” Kottlowski said.
As a result, drought conditions will likely improve in the coming weeks.
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