HOUSTON – As Tropical Storm Alberto continues to make its way to northern Mexico and eventually the Texas coasts, areas in Galveston County are already seeing the storm’s effects.
Alberto, which is bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall and some flooding along the coasts of Texas and Mexico, is expected to land in northern Mexico on Thursday.
“The heavy rainfall and the water, as usual, is the biggest story in tropical storms,” said Michael Brennan, director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Hurricane Center.
In Galveston, people were seen on paddle boards on Avenue Q at Nuemann Drive. KPRC 2 reporter Bill Barajas is reporting that several inches of water is covering several roads, which was caused by the bayou and bay area backing up.
On Wednesday, the City of Jamaica Beach posted more than 30 photos showing high water locations in the area. Several streets are already under water and residents have been spotted kayaking through the area.
Some photos of our community over the past hour.
Posted by City of Jamaica Beach, Texas - Local Government on Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Also in Surfside Beach the area on Fort Velasco towards the Jetty and Ocean Village Hotel are completely under water.
Surfside Beach EMS said high water rescues are already underway, highlighting the storm’s immediate impact on the area.
Going down Fort Velasco towards the Jetty. Also behind the station and Ocean Village Hotel. The Dunes are gone!
Posted by Surfside Beach Tx EMS on Wednesday, June 19, 2024
More rain is expected on Thursday and Friday. National Hurricane Center said the Texas coast could see as much as 5 inches (13 centimeters) to 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain in some areas.
Currently, the storm is moving west at about 9 mph (15 kph). Tropical storm warnings are currently in effect from the Texas coast at San Luis Pass southward to the mouth of the Rio Grande and from the northeastern coast of Mexico south of the mouth of the Rio Grande to Tecolutla.
The U.S. National Weather Service said the main hazard for southern coastal Texas is flooding from excess rain. On Wednesday, the NWS said, there is “a high probability” of flash flooding in southern coastal Texas. Tornadoes or waterspouts are also possible.