This product covers Southeast Texas **BETA WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION OVER TEXAS** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Warning has been cancelled for Coastal Jackson, Coastal Matagorda, Inland Brazoria, Inland Galveston, Inland Jackson, Inland Matagorda, Matagorda Islands, Southern Liberty, and Wharton - The Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning have been cancelled for Brazoria Islands, Chambers, Coastal Brazoria, Coastal Galveston, Coastal Harris, and Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * STORM INFORMATION: - About 120 miles west-southwest of Galveston TX or about 40 miles north-northwest of Port O'Connor TX - 28.9N 96.7W - Storm Intensity 35 mph - Movement Northeast or 45 degrees at 2 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Beta, now a tropical depression, made landfall yesterday evening on the southern end of the Matagorda Peninsula as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. It has since weakened to a tropical depression with maximum winds of 35 mph. Despite this, the system continues to pose a serious risk of flash flooding and coastal flooding to SE Texas. Bands of heavy rainfall on the east side of Beta's circulation continue to cause widespread street flooding across the greater Houston area. An additional 5-10 inches of rainfall with isolated totals of 15 inches remain expected to occur. Flooding concerns along the coast will be compounded with elevated tides due to persistent onshore winds. The Storm Surge Warning has been replaced with a Coastal Flood Warning along the coast, with impacts expected to continue through mid-week. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Little to no additional impacts are anticipated at this time across Southeast Texas. * SURGE: Coastal flooding impacts continue along the coast north of Sargent and around the Galveston Bay area. Remain well away from locally hazardous surge having additional limited impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Localized inundation with storm surge flooding mainly along immediate shorelines and in low-lying spots, or in areas farther inland near where higher surge waters move ashore. - Sections of near-shore roads and parking lots become overspread with surge water. Driving conditions dangerous in places where surge water covers the road. - Moderate beach erosion. Heavy surf also breaching dunes, mainly in usually vulnerable locations. Strong rip currents. - Minor to locally moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. A few small craft broken away from moorings. Coastal flooding also continues around the Matagorda Bay area up to Sargent. Remain well away from locally hazardous surge having possible limited impacts. Elsewhere across Southeast Texas, little to no impact is anticipated. * FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across Southeast Texas. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters having additional devastating impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become raging rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. * TORNADOES: Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across Southeast Texas. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Do not enter evacuated areas until officials have given the all clear to return. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and check-ins. Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or videos. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- As it pertains to this event...this will be the last local statement issued by the National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston TX regarding the effects of tropical cyclone hazards upon the area.