Central Texas faces a moderate to high risk of street, flash, and river flooding on Thursday as tropical moisture collides with a slow-moving front and low pressure system to fuel multiple rounds of downpours. Most of Central Texas is under a Flood Watch from Wednesday evening through Friday evening, according to FOX 7 Austin.
The forecast danger peaks Thursday with two distinct storm rounds. The first arrives early in the day with scattered storms and moderate rain, while a second round of widespread heavy rain and strong storms follows late Thursday, bringing the main flooding concern along with small hail and gusty winds. The slow-moving front will focus storm development, and upper-level lift will keep storms strong throughout the period.
Rainfall totals of 2-4 inches are expected across the region, but isolated areas will receive 4-6 inches. Where the highest totals occur remains the biggest forecasting challenge. North Texas faces a similar multi-day wet pattern, with a separate Flood Watch extended through 7 a.m. Friday, bringing widespread totals of 2-4 inches and isolated amounts of 5-6 inches, according to FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth. The exceptionally dry ground in the North Texas region will increase rapid runoff and localized flooding risk, especially where storms train over the same areas overnight and into Thursday morning.
A cold front will move through Friday, bringing relief from the unseasonable heat with highs dropping into the upper 70s and lower 80s by late week.