Houston Storms: Heavy Rain, Hail, and Traffic Impacts

Severe Weather Alert for Houston

• ⚠️ A Weather Impact Alert is in effect for Houston and Southeast Texas through 4 p.m. Thursday due to multiple severe threats.
• 📍 Hundreds of backyard gauges show significant rainfall, with one area near Madagorta receiving over 5.5 inches and radar estimates of 10 inches in 6 hours.

Rainfall and Flood Concerns

• 🌧️ Heavy rainfall is causing flash flood concerns across the area, with warnings issued for Madagorta, Hawkinsville, Cloverleaf, Barrett, and Mont Belview.
• 💧 Some areas are experiencing blinding rain, leading to major concerns, especially west of the 288 corridor, where side streets are taking on significant water.

Hail and Wind Threats

• 🧊 Special weather statements are active, indicating gusty winds and the potential for hail, with P-sized hail reported along FM1409.
• ⚡ The storms are bringing heavy rain and hail to affected regions.

Traffic and Roadway Impacts

• 🚗 Heavy rainfall is leading to problematic conditions on roadways, with drivers advised to stay off the roads in affected areas.
• 🚨 Incidents include a slow crawl on the East Loop southbound at 225 and a heavy truck crash on the beltway southbound at Philippine, causing a two-mile backup.
• 🚦 Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes like Fairbanks or Guestner to avoid significant traffic delays.
• 🛣️ On the Southwest Freeway, traffic is flowing steadily inbound, with drivers proceeding cautiously and using windshield wipers due to constant rain.

Power Outages

• ⚡ The storms have resulted in widespread power outages, affecting over 12,000 Centerpoint customers and more than 3,000 Entergy customers.