Torrential rain has caused flooding in southern Texas, prompting evacuations, road closures and water rescues. Corpus Christi recorded 12.89 inches (327.40 mm) of rain in 48 hours between 18 and 20 June.

On 19 June, Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the State Operations Center (SOC) to elevate its readiness level as heavy rain and storms continued to impact the Texas coast. Additionally, Governor Abbott has made state resources available to assist local officials in their response efforts.

“Texas is no stranger to this type of severe weather, and our emergency personnel are ready and well prepared to respond,” said Governor Abbott. “Our number one priority is the safety and well being of Texans, and I encourage everyone in the affected areas to stay safe and heed all warnings from local officials. I thank those involved in the response efforts, and I want to assure all Texans that we are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide all resources necessary.”

Texas Division of Emergency Management said that, as of 20 June, “the worst of the rain and flooding has been from Weslaco through La Feria, where modified radar data suggest more than a foot of rain has fallen in just a few hours.” Some homes were evacuated in the city of La Feria.

Flooding was also reported in Mercedes, McAllen, and the Harlingen area, which had already received more than 6 inches (150 mm) of rain prior to the start of the storm.

Roads were closed in the Corpus Christi area, where Emergency Management said the main concern was across the northern coastal bend into Victoria.

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) said that 71 state highway sections are affected by high water, 24 sections are fully closed, and 47 sections are flooded but passable. TxDOT said that roadways were closed in Brooks, Cameron, Jim Wells, Refugio, and San Patricio Counties due to flooding.

As of late 20 June the heavy rain appeared to be moving along the coast towards the Houston area and beyond. NWS Houston said early 21 June that locally heavy rains will continue and there have been numerous reports of high water on roadways. Some street flooding was also reported in Port Arthur.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport in north Houston recorded 2.40 inches (60.96 mm) of rain in 45 minutes during the evening of 20 June. In Waller, around 60 km east of Bush Airport, 6.36 inches (161.54 mm) of rain fell in 24 hours to 21 June

Many areas affected this time around are still recovering from last year’s Hurricane Harvey.

Social Media

We are actively monitoring the Oso Creek. Never drive around a barricade. #TurnAroundDontDrownpic.twitter.com/HG2QTyK8Ee

— Corpus Christi PD (@CorpusChristiPD) June 20, 2018

Looking like a wet rush hour is in store for the metro area. Area of moderate rain and embedded storms edging into the metro area from the west. 331pm radar pic is shown. #houwx pic.twitter.com/hhBAv2Iy1E

— NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) June 20, 2018

'TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN': It's a life-saving motto that authorities can't repeat enough | Unfortunately, the fast and heavy rainfall is causing street flooding near Ella and FM-1960 | List of high water areas: https://t.co/g62mCEELUP pic.twitter.com/Ne6xUmNAWw

— ABC13 Houston (@abc13houston) June 20, 2018

Featured photo: Corpus Christi Police Department