Flood threat ramps up over Texas

Overview: A Level 2 of 4 threat of flooding rainfall is currently in effect over parts of southern and central Texas. Widespread soaking rain is ongoing and will continue falling over the region overnight.

Nearly 8 inches of rain has already fallen in parts of southern Texas near Kingsville, 40 miles southwest of Corpus Christi, with an additional 2+ inches possible over the next few hours.

Heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding, particularly in places where storms repeatedly pass over the same area.

Confidence: We are confident there will be widespread storms, but pinpointing exactly which places will experience the most significant flooding is less certain.

That’s because it’s difficult to pinpoint where the most drenching storms will track until they actually form. At that point, flash flood warnings will be issued by the National Weather Service in real-time for areas of greater danger.

Timing: The most serious flood threat began just after midnight Sunday and will continue through at least Sunday evening. Storms may diminish around 8 p.m. CT, but could resume just after midnight through early Monday morning.

Impacts: The worst flooding will be in places that see storms continuously pass over the same area through Sunday. Peak rainfall rates could exceed 2 inches per hour under the heaviest storms, which could quickly lead to flash flooding.

Rainfall totals: Amounts will vary widely depending on exactly where storms track. Widespread rainfall could total 2 to 3 inches, with isolated totals from 5 to 8+ inches possible.