A tropical disturbance that formed in the Gulf of Mexico earlier this week weakened before reaching Texas, but it delivered heavy rain, thunderstorms and dangerous rip currents along the coast.
The system, identified as Invest 98L, developed over the Bay of Campeche and briefly carried a 40 to 50 percent chance of strengthening into a tropical cyclone, according to the National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Hunter aircraft investigated the storm Thursday, but forecasters said it lacked the circulation needed to organize into a tropical system.
By Friday afternoon, the disturbance had moved inland near the Rio Grande, lowering development chances to near zero. Still, it pushed tropical moisture into the Houston area and much of South Texas, increasing the risk of localized flooding and street ponding.
Rainfall totals reached 1 to 2 inches in some spots, with isolated heavier downpours. The Houston area saw scattered thunderstorms Friday into Saturday, though forecasters said widespread flooding was unlikely.
The disturbance also fueled rough surf and rip currents along beaches from Corpus Christi to Galveston, prompting safety advisories for swimmers. Officials warned beachgoers to use caution through the weekend as elevated waves and gusty winds lingered.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Erin continued to strengthen in the Atlantic but posed no threat to Texas.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has been forecast to be above average, and officials urged residents to remain prepared for additional systems in the coming weeks.