NWS: Heavy rain expected to hit Houston during rush hour, continue into Thursday

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UPDATE (6:23 p.m.): As Harris County prepares for heavy rain, the Houston Fire Department deployed its new water strike team for possible flooding rescues.

In a news release Tuesday, officials with the department said it would staff nine high-water rescue vehicles across the region, with four of the tall trucks in each quadrant of the city, and the five remaining vehicles to be deployed as needed.

The water rescue team would also be conducting community assessments with drones, and have 20 evacuation boats, 11 rescue boats, three Achilles boats, nine Wave Runners (jet skis) and 25 trucks with trailers available to handle rescues, if necessary.

Department leadership also said they were placing two rescue swimmers on a Houston Police Department helicopter.

HFD's water rescue fleet has grown significantly in the years since Hurricane Harvey, when it had just one high water rescue vehicle available for rescues. After a Houston Chronicle investigation revealed major inadequacies in its rescue fleet, the city of Houston spent $2 million to give firefighters better water rescue training, doubled the size of its boat fleet, and added eight new high water rescue trucks.

The fire department's announcement comes as the National Weather Service warned that Houston and the surrounding areas should expect to get hit with heavy rains that could very well extend all the way through Wednesday and Thursday afternoon.

The weather along the state's coast was severe enough that Gov. Greg Abbott issued an activation order that, in part, deployed five swift water rescue boat squads and one Texas Task Force One high profile vehicle.

"The state of Texas is taking action to ensure the safety of communities across the coast, and remains at the ready to provide any additional resources that might be needed," Abbott said.

"I urge all Texans to heed the direction of local officials and closely monitor the weather conditions in their communities."

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These specific resources were sent to the Rio Grande Valley and the Galveston area to support government partners. Boat squads are being held in College Station for deployment as needed.

Near Houston, areas southeast of Highway 69/59 corridor could get three to five inches of rain. Areas north of the 69/59 corridor could get one to three inches of rain, according to a press release.

Hazards include "flash flooding, potential for several inches of rain to fall in a short time period that would increase the flash flood threat and coastal flooding from high tides."

The NWS also says the tide level could rise anywhere from a foot to a foot-and-a-half above normal, with susceptible areas likely being Highway 87 at 124 on the Bolivar Peninsula, Blue Water Highway and Surfside.

Gov. Abbott's press release also urged individuals in dangerous areas and, or situations to follow these safety tips

• When severe storms threaten, the safest place to be is indoors.

• Avoid areas already flooded and avoid any fast-flowing water.

• Be extremely cautious of any water on roads or in creeks, streams, storm drains or other areas – never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways and always observe road barricades placed for your protection. Remember, Turn Around Don't Drown.

• Dangerous waters can seem deceptively calm, and if you encounter flooding, move to higher ground.

• Heed all warnings from local officials.

• Keep in mind that flood dangers are even harder to recognize at night.

• Stay informed by monitoring weather radios and news broadcasts for updated information on current and anticipated severe weather in your area.

REPORT FROM THIS MORNING:

Houston is expected to get between 4 and 6 inches of rain as a tropical disturbance makes its way toward Southeast Texas, according to the National Weather Service.

Rain is expected to start Tuesday night and last until Thursday. The expected rainfall prompted NWS meteorologists to issue a blanket flash flood watch for all of Southeast Texas until Thursday morning.

The disturbance is currently disorganized, but it's expected to move toward the northeastern coast of Mexico later Tuesday. Meteorologists say there's a 50 percent chance it develops into a cyclone before before moving inland.

The disturbance is expected to produce heavy rain in southeast Texas and Louisiana through Thursday, regardless of its development, the weather service said. A flash flood watch will remain in effect from 1 a.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday.

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An Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft will investigate the system later today, if necessary.

The forecast shows a 70 percent chance for rain in Houston on Tuesday night, an 80 percent chance on Wednesday and a 70 percent chance on Thursday.

Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com | NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here.