Overnight Storms and High Winds Threaten Wednesday Morning Commute in Houston Area

A round of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds is expected to sweep through Southeast Texas overnight and into Wednesday morning, threatening to disrupt the morning commute across the Houston metropolitan area. Weather forecasters warn that the incoming storm system brings a primary threat of street flooding and damaging wind gusts.

The storm system is projected to reach western areas of the region around 1 a.m. before moving directly through the Houston metro area between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. The initial line of storms is expected to shift east by approximately 5 a.m. However, a second round of storms may develop between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., which could add to local rainfall totals though it is not expected to bring severe winds.

A squall line moving through the area could produce damaging wind gusts ranging from 50 to 60 mph. Additionally, because recent soaking rains have already saturated the ground, meteorologists caution that it will not take major rainfall to trigger flooding; just one to two inches of water could quickly collect on roads. Drivers are urged to prepare for reduced visibility, ponding on roadways, and traffic delays during the morning commute.

Following Wednesday's active weather, the region is expected to get a break from widespread heavy rain. Rain chances are projected to decrease to 20% on Thursday and Friday, with dry conditions forecast for Saturday.