Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana Face Flash Flooding and 5 to 7 Inches of Rain Through Memorial Day With Flood Watches Issued for Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Shreveport, and Oklahoma City
WESTERN GULF COAST — Several days of dangerous heavy rainfall are beginning today across the western Gulf Coast, with Flood Watches and a Slight Risk for Excessive Rainfall Level 2 of 4 already issued for today, Saturday, and Sunday through Memorial Day. The 5-day forecast through the holiday weekend is showing 5 to 7 inches of rain across the core zone centered over south and central Texas, with 3 to 5 inches spreading across a wide area from Oklahoma through Louisiana and Arkansas.
Flash Flooding Is the Primary Danger Through Memorial Day
This is not a brief heavy rain event. Several consecutive days of heavy rainfall are expected to pound the same areas repeatedly from today through Memorial Day, giving waterways, drainage systems, and already-saturated ground no time to recover between rounds. Flash flooding is expected across the core zone, and forecasters are issuing the critical reminder: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
5-Day Rainfall Forecast by City and Region
| City and Area | Forecast 5-Day Rainfall |
|---|---|
| Houston and surrounding areas | 5 to 7 inches |
| Austin and San Antonio, Texas | 5 to 7 inches |
| Dallas and Shreveport | 3 to 5 inches |
| Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | 3 to 4 inches |
| Little Rock, Arkansas | 2.5 to 3 inches |
| Memphis, Tennessee | 2 to 2.5 inches |
| New Orleans, Louisiana | 2.5 to 3 inches |
| Brownsville, Texas | 3 to 4 inches |
| Lubbock, Texas | 1.5 to 2 inches |
| Wichita, Kansas | 1.5 to 2 inches |
| Atlanta, Georgia | 1 to 1.5 inches |
Flood Watches Already in Effect
Flood Watches have been issued covering the affected zone for today, Saturday, and Sunday, reflecting the high confidence forecasters have that flash flooding will occur across portions of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana during this multi-day rainfall event. Residents in these areas should monitor watches and warnings closely and be prepared to act immediately if a Flash Flood Warning is issued for their location.
The Western Gulf Coast Bore the Brunt of the Core Rainfall
The heaviest rain concentration sits directly over the Houston, Austin, and San Antonio corridor in south and central Texas, where 5 to 7 inches are expected over the 5-day period. This level of rainfall in a compressed timeframe creates life-threatening flash flood conditions across urban areas, low-water crossings, and bayous throughout the region.
Memorial Day Weekend Outdoor Plans at Serious Risk
Anyone with Memorial Day weekend outdoor plans across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana must stay flexible and closely monitor local weather conditions. Flood-prone areas should be avoided entirely, and travel through flooded roadways should never be attempted under any circumstances.
Stay with CabarrusWeekly.com for live flood watches, warnings, and rainfall updates through Memorial Day weekend.
