Overview
- Forecasters warned this week that slow‑moving storm clusters could drop extreme rainfall over central and southwest Texas, producing intense hourly rates that fuel flash floods.
- The Weather Prediction Center placed southwest Texas at a Level 3-of-4 flash‑flood risk and forecasters listed expected rainfall of roughly 51–152 mm with pockets up to about 254 mm.
- State officials issued flood alerts covering nearly 6 million people and Governor Greg Abbott activated state emergency resources, including water rescue teams and helicopters.
- Cities such as Austin, San Antonio and Houston face a risk of localized flash flooding and hill country and plateau areas are especially vulnerable because steep slopes and shallow soils speed runoff.
- Forecasts indicate the broad threat should ease toward the end of the week but localized heavy showers may persist and nearby regions — northeastern Mexico, parts of Spain and Argentina — face different short‑term hazards.