Tropical Storm Edouard is bringing heavy rain, flooding concerns, and travel disruptions across parts of Texas, as the system moves inland from the Gulf Coast.
While the storm has weakened to a tropical depression, forecasters warn that the most significant threat remains widespread rainfall capable of triggering dangerous flash flooding across several regions of the state.
The latest spaghetti models show Edouard tracking northward through eastern and central Texas, with the heaviest rainfall corridor extending inland from the upper Texas coast.
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Although uncertainty remains over the precise path of the storm’s remnants, the models collectively point to a broad impact zone stretching from the Gulf Coast into eastern and central Texas, matching forecasts that call for the heaviest rainfall and greatest flood risk in those areas.
Edouard’s Shift From Wind to Rain Threat
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), tropical storm force wind gusts—classified as sustained winds of between 39 and 73 mph, according to the National Weather Service (NWS)—remain possible near the center of the storm for several hours, but heavy rainfall has become the primary hazard.
The agency is warning that river and flash flooding (particularly in urban areas) is likely from the upper Texas coast through east-central Texas and into far southwest Louisiana as the storm continues inland.
Texas Communities Brace for Flooding
Local officials across southeast Texas have been preparing for the storm’s impacts.
According to local news reports, in Montgomery County, emergency managers mobilized equipment, coordinated with state partners and secured additional resources, including rescue boats, as flooding concerns grew. Schools including Conroe ISD and Willis ISD canceled classes on Wednesday, while some government offices also shut down ahead of the storm.
Jason Millsaps, executive director of the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said the biggest concern is heavy rain bands that can remain over one area for an extended period, dumping significant amounts of rain in a short time.
Officials have also positioned barricades at flood-prone locations throughout the county.
Flood Watches Span Large Parts of Texas
The NWS has also issued Flood Watches covering multiple regions of northeast, east-central and southeast Texas.
In Henderson County and the east-central Texas counties of Anderson, Freestone and Leon, forecasters say most locations can expect between 1 and 3 inches of rainfall through Wednesday until Thursday night, although isolated totals of 4 to 6 inches are possible. Excessive runoff could lead to flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying areas.
Further south and east, a broader Flood Watch covers Brazos, Chambers, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, Walker and several neighboring counties.
Forecasters expect more significant impacts in this region. Rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches are forecast, with isolated locations potentially receiving between 10 and 15 inches, particularly along and east of Interstate 45. Rainfall rates may exceed 3 to 4 inches per hour during the most intense downpours.
What Happens Next?
Forecasters expect Edouard’s remnants to continue moving inland through Wednesday and Thursday, spreading periods of moderate to heavy rain across eastern Texas.
Even as the storm weakens, flood risks are expected to persist because saturated areas could receive repeated rounds of rainfall.
Emergency officials are urging residents to closely monitor forecasts and heed flood warnings if conditions worsen.
Authorities are also emphasizing a familiar message: drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roadways because water depths can be difficult to judge and conditions can change rapidly.
Newsweek contacted Governor Greg Abbott’s office for comment. The office responded by sharing an official August 31 press release addressing the state’s preparations for the tropical weather threat.
Key Takeaway
For many Texans, the biggest danger from Edouard is no longer wind.
Instead, forecasters warn that the storm could leave behind a trail of flooding rainfall capable of inundating roads, neighborhoods, and waterways well after the tropical system itself has weakened.
Contact Newsweek editor on this story: Edward Pearcey.