The Harris County Flood Control District continues to monitor Tropical Storm Edouard as the system strengthens and approaches the upper Texas coast.

As of Tuesday morning, Edouard had sustained winds of about 50 mph and was moving west-northwest to northwest at approximately 7 to 8 mph. The center was expected to make landfall near the Jefferson County coast around Sabine Pass Tuesday afternoon.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect from High Island, Texas, to Cameron, Louisiana, while a Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Warning are in effect from High Island to the Cameron/Vermilion Parish line.

For Harris County, a Flood Watch has been extended through 7 p.m. Wednesday as the potential for heavy rainfall expands.

Heavy Rain Moving Into Eastern Harris County

Bands of heavier rainfall are expected to move into Chambers County and Galveston Bay before spreading into eastern Harris County, eastern Galveston County and Liberty County through Tuesday afternoon.

Areas along and east of the I-45 corridor could receive 3 to 6 inches of rain, with isolated totals of 6 to 9 inches possible where rain bands repeatedly move over the same locations.

The latest forecast also increases the potential for heavy rain farther west later tonight into Wednesday. Areas north of I-10 and west of I-45 could experience heavier rainfall as bands develop on the southern side of Edouard’s circulation.

Because these bands can be narrow, rainfall totals may vary considerably over relatively short distances.

Bayous and Creeks Being Closely Monitored

The Flood Control District is closely monitoring eastern watersheds, including Luce Bayou, Cedar Bayou and Goose Creek, along with the East Fork of the San Jacinto River.

Attention will also increase overnight into Wednesday for the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, Spring Creek, Willow Creek and Little Cypress Creek watersheds as the potential for heavier rainfall shifts north and west.

Significant rises could occur where the heaviest rain develops, particularly if multiple bands move over the same area.

Stay Weather Aware Through Wednesday

Edouard has a relatively small wind field, so the strongest winds are expected to remain east of Harris County. Most of the area can expect winds of about 15 to 25 mph, with higher gusts possible in passing squalls.

Residents should continue monitoring changing conditions through Wednesday and use the Harris County Flood Warning System at HarrisCountyFWS.org to track rainfall totals and water surface elevations at gages across the county.

Avoid flooded roadways and never attempt to drive through high water.

Weather insights provided by Jeff Lindner, Harris County Flood Control District Meteorologist.