The storm brought rain over Labor Day Monday, dumping nearly an inch of rain on the Texas coastal city of Galveston, breaking an 83-year-old daily rainfall record.
Last Friday, the National Weather Service’s (NWS) West Gulf Forecast Center released a rainfall map showing parts of Texas could expect up to 7 inches of rain this weekend. The heaviest rainfall was predicted for eastern Texas, near the Louisiana border. The forecast came true on Monday afternoon, when heavy rain fell in Galveston, prompting NWS meteorologists to issue a flash flood watch for the island city and order residents in the affected areas to immediately evacuate to higher ground.
Even though it was still raining Monday afternoon, the NWS office in Galveston announced that rainfall had already broken records.
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“As of 1:40 p.m., Galveston has recorded 5.53 inches of rain today. With light rain still falling and more rain expected by the end of the day, this will be a new record for rainfall on September 2nd,” NWS Houston posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday afternoon. “The previous record was 4.64 inches, set in 1941.”
As of 1:40 p.m., 5.53 inches of rain has been recorded in Galveston today. Light rain is still falling and more rain is expected by the end of the day, but this marks a new record for rainfall on September 2nd. The previous record was 4.64 inches, recorded in 1941.
— NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) September 2, 2024
Prior to the post about the same situation, the NWS office warned that road flooding continued throughout the city.
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“Rain intensity has decreased significantly on Galveston Island, however ongoing road flooding will take some time to subside,” the office wrote. “If you encounter wet roads, please turn back and find an alternate route to your destination!”
Rain has significantly lessened in intensity on Galveston Island, but ongoing road flooding will take some time to clear. If you come across wet roads, please turn back and find an alternative route to your destination. Photo @SaltwaterRecon pic.twitter.com/mjQgmOV4H2
— NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) September 2, 2024
As of Monday afternoon, the only weather-related warnings in effect for the Houston/Galveston forecast area were a hazardous weather alert warning of scattered thunderstorms, a special weather statement warning of a possible tropical storm, and a marine weather statement warning of widespread thunderstorms continuing into the afternoon.
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Newsweek has reached out to NWS Houston for comment by phone.
Other parts of the Lone Star State were also hit by rainy weather on Monday. As of 4 p.m. ET Monday, the National Weather Service in Midland, Texas, issued a flood warning.
“Life-threatening flooding will occur in streams, rivers, urban areas, highways, roads and underpasses,” the warning said. “There are hundreds of submerged crossings in hilly areas that may become dangerous during heavy rainfall. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternative route.”
Flood watches and flood advisories were issued for Central Texas and other parts of the state.
Updated September 3, 2024 at 4:14 pm: This story has been updated with additional information.
