Texas is facing a mix of lingering flood concerns and dangerous heat after tropical weather brought heavy rain and severe weather threats to parts of the state.
Tropical Storm Arthur formed near the Texas coast Wednesday before weakening, but its remnants continued to produce heavy rainfall and raised concerns about flash flooding across parts of the Gulf Coast and Southeast. By Thursday night, the National Hurricane Center said there were no active tropical cyclones in the Atlantic, though leftover moisture from the system continued to affect the region.
In Texas, the immediate concern shifted from the storm itself to the hazards left behind: saturated ground, high humidity, dangerous heat and the possibility of more storms.
The National Weather Service office for Houston and Galveston issued a heat advisory for all of Southeast Texas through Saturday night, with temperatures in the low- to mid-90s and heat index values expected to reach between 107 and 112 degrees. Forecasters also warned that additional rain and storms could develop late Friday into early Saturday, creating a flash flooding risk in areas where the ground is already saturated.
In Houston, heat index values could climb as high as 111 degrees during the Juneteenth holiday period. Rain chances were expected to return Friday night and Saturday, adding another layer of concern for flood-prone roads and neighborhoods.
Coastal areas also remained under beach hazards. Forecasters warned of a high risk of rip currents for Gulf-facing beaches through at least Saturday evening. Officials said beachgoers should use caution, especially in Galveston and other coastal communities, where dangerous surf conditions can continue even after a storm weakens or moves away.
The weather concerns come as the state continues emergency operations related to storms and flooding. Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 101 Texas counties earlier this week, allowing local governments to access state resources and coordinate with emergency management officials.
Abbott also directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate additional emergency response resources and keep the State Emergency Operations Center in 24-hour operations while storm risks continued.
The declaration covers counties across Southeast, Central and South Texas, including several areas that regularly face flooding and severe weather threats.
For Houston and the Gulf Coast, the threat is not limited to one storm system. Officials and residents are watching a broader pattern of tropical moisture, repeated rain chances, extreme humidity and intense heat.
The combination creates a difficult weather setup for communities already dealing with drainage concerns, flood-prone streets and the risks that come with prolonged heat.
Officials urged Texans to monitor local forecasts, avoid driving through flooded roads and take precautions against heat-related illness.