Tropical Storm Edouard is expected to bring the first tropical downpours to Southeast Texas as early as 8 a.m. Tuesday along the upper Gulf Coast.
Pivotal Weather
Tropical downpours will inch closer toward Houston by noon Tuesday as Edouard nears a Southeast Texas landfall, as shown in this depiction of how radar could look.
Pivotal Weather
Scattered downpours are expected to linger through the afternoon and evening commute in Houston.
Pivotal Weather
Showers and thunderstorms should become less frequent by 8 p.m. Tuesday, as shown in this depiction of how radar could look.
Pivotal Weather
Tropical Storm Edouard will bring torrential rain, gusty winds and coastal flooding to Southeast Texas on Tuesday as it approaches landfall along the upper Texas coast.
Tropical storm warnings remain in effect for Chambers County, the Bolivar Peninsula and adjacent coastal waters through Wednesday morning. Edouard is expected to move northwest before reaching the coast between Sabine Pass and High Island, likely Tuesday afternoon or evening.
Rain will begin along the coast before sunrise and spread inland toward Houston by midday. The worst weather is expected Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Article continues below this ad
Tuesday forecast timeline
Before sunrise through midmorning: The first round of rain could reach the upper Texas coast before sunrise Tuesday.
CENTERPOINT PREPARES: CenterPoint activates emergency operations center as Gulf disturbance could impact Houston.
Rain will become more widespread along the coast and across parts of Chambers, Galveston and eastern Brazoria counties through the morning. Some early downpours could produce brief street flooding and reduced visibility.
Article continues below this ad
A flood watch will be in effect from early Tuesday morning through Wednesday morning for areas generally along and east of Interstate 45, including Houston.
Late morning through early afternoon: Rain will spread toward the Houston area by late morning or around midday. Conditions will vary across the region, with some neighborhoods receiving repeated downpours while others see breaks.
The heaviest downpours could produce rainfall rates of 3 to 4 inches per hour, quickly overwhelming streets and drainage systems in low-lying neighborhoods and areas with poor drainage.
Rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches could be widespread in Southeast Texas as Tropical Storm Edouard moves inland, as shown by this Weather Prediction Center forecast model. Higher rainfall totals are most likely along and east of Interstate 45.
NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center / Pivotal Weather
Edouard should approach the coast during this period. Where Edouard comes ashore will help determine where the heaviest rain is concentrated.
Article continues below this ad
A track closer to Sabine Pass would likely push the worst rainfall east of Houston. A track farther west would increase the local flood threat.
Tuesday afternoon through the evening commute
The worst of the rain and wind is expected Tuesday afternoon as Edouard comes ashore.
Winds could gust 40 to 50 mph along the immediate coast, the Bolivar Peninsula and parts of Chambers County. Gusts should remain lower farther inland, although stronger rain bands could produce gusts of 30 to 40 mph.
SEPTEMBER’S SURGE: The Atlantic is quiet ahead of September’s usual surge. Here’s why Texas still faces a risk.
Article continues below this ad
The afternoon and evening commutes could be especially difficult as heavy showers and thunderstorms affect roads across Southeast Texas. Repeated downpours will allow water to accumulate quickly.
Localized flash flooding will be the primary threat, especially near and east of I-45.
Widespread flooding along rivers and bayous is not currently expected, but prolonged heavy rain could still create problems along vulnerable portions of the San Jacinto and Trinity river basins.
Tuesday night into early Wednesday: Edouard’s center will move inland Tuesday night, but leftover rain could linger into Wednesday.
TD 5 is expected to strengthen to a tropical storm by tonight. Elevated rainfall totals along and east I-45 remain the primary threat. Highest impacts expected during the day Tuesday. Gusts up to 40 mph possible along the coast. Continue monitoring the forecast for updates. #TXwx pic.twitter.com/2XmRoUQV9j
— NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) August 31, 2026
Additional showers and thunderstorms could continue overnight and into early Wednesday, particularly across eastern Southeast Texas. Winds should gradually weaken after landfall, although gusty conditions may persist in rain bands.
Article continues below this ad
Coastal flooding and beach hazards
Coastal flooding will be a secondary threat compared with inland rainfall. Minor flooding is possible along beaches and vulnerable coastal roads during high tide.
The greatest concerns include the Bolivar Peninsula and beaches north of San Luis Pass, where strong rip currents and waves pushing water onto beaches and coastal roads could create dangerous conditions. A beach hazards statement will remain in effect from late Monday night through Wednesday morning.
‘SUPER EL NIÑO’: El Niño could reach record levels this month. How close are we to a ‘super El Niño’?
Because Edouard is a small storm, widespread, significant storm surge is not expected. Water levels could still rise 1 to 3 feet from High Island east toward the Louisiana coast and 1 to 2 feet from San Luis Pass to High Island, including Galveston.
Rain chances will remain elevated Wednesday as tropical moisture lingers over Southeast Texas. Scattered showers and thunderstorms could continue through the end of the workweek before hotter, more typical late-summer weather returns.