We go through dry periods and, as you know, we can get soakers around here that fix a no-rain situation pretty quickly. Last Thursday’s drought monitor shows abnormally dry to severe drought conditions in SE Texas and Extreme drought in West Texas:US Drought monitor showing abnormally dry to severe drought in our areaU.S. Drought monitor showing extreme and exceptional drought in West Texas. Our normal rainfall from Oct. 1 to now is 8.33 inches so clearly, that’s a deficit. But prolonged dry periods can turn into longer dry periods and that is the concern. Here’s our precip forecast into winter:Dry OutlookThis shows better chances than not for below normal rainfall.

GALVESTON, Texas – City of Galveston property owners who sustained property damage during Tropical Storm Beta may be eligible for temporary tax relief, Galveston authorities announced Thursday. Property owners are encouraged to complete an exemption application which is available online and submit it to the Galveston County Appraisal District. The Texas Tax Code provides for a temporary exemption for property owners who are victims of natural disasters. The City of Galveston adopted its tax rate four days prior to the disaster proclamation on September 17, 2020. Homeowners must apply for the temporary tax relief and must submit the application to the Galveston Central Appraisal District.

She was one of the very few left in Cameron, Louisiana whose home wasn’t badly damaged or completely wiped out during Hurricane Laura just six weeks ago. Bolivar Peninsula prepare for Hurricane DeltaRoy James has lived on the Bolivar Peninsula for over a year, and he’s prepared for Delta. People along the coast have already experienced storm surge from Laura and Tropical Storm Beta. Many Galveston County residents were also concerned about those in southwest Louisiana, who will be hit with their second major storm in less than two months. Many Louisianans are still displaced and struggling to start the long process of recovery as they prepare for another hit from Delta.

JAMAICA BEACH, Texas – It hasn’t even been a month since Tropical Storm Beta led to coastal flooding across southeast Texas. However, residents in Galveston and Jamaica Beach are preparing once again for what Hurricane Delta could bring. The weather was perfect along Jamaica Beach on Wednesday. Many Texans are already fatigued after Hurricane Laura and Tropical Storm Beta. Smith lives in Jamaica Beach and is moving all his items upstairs.

BROOKSIDE VILLAGE, Texas – Sheryl Karolinski was out of town when Tropical Storm Beta struck her Brookside Village home and pushed an estimated three inches of water inside. City hall has served as the hub to push out supplies. With no assistance from the county, state, or federal level the people in Brookside largely have had to help themselves. In Brookside Village, they don’t want to lose anymore. “I believe there’s $295 million for the project to start widening the creek that goes through the city,” said Greg Thomas, a city councilperson.

PEARLAND – As floodwaters have finally receded in Pearland after Tropical Storm Beta reared its ugly head, the community is thankful for Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth, who spent days helping flooding victims. Trae The Truth, who’s real name is Frazier Thompson III, is now back in Louisville, Kentucky continuing his mission to help others. He decided to relocate to Louisville months ago. And, when Beta left her mark in Greater Houston, Thompson did not hesitate to return back home. Right after his efforts in Houston, Thompson jumped back on the plane to Kentucky to continue his efforts for justice.

PEARLAND – The rain may be gone, but the water hasn’t quite receded in some Houston neighborhoods. The intersection of Longwood and Myrtlewood drives in Pearland looks like an island because it’s surrounded by water, which has started to recede. The back part of his home is surrounded by several feet of flood water from the Clear Creek. Stasny says he has flood insurance and he’s waiting on an inspector to look at the damage. Now, his family is cleaning up, removing the sheetrock and starting over on a home they just re-built.

Project Brays is a $480 million improvement project that’s been under construction since 2000. Residents in Meyerland and Westbury credit the improvements that including widening the channel and bridge modifications, for sparing their homes from flooding during Tropical Storm Beta. Before Harvey, the majority of the work involved with Project Brays had been finished. While Project Brays protected that area from flooding during Beta, every major rain event in Houston is different. That’s the big thinking going forward , that’s going to take a much larger investment," Hidalgo said.

HOUSTON – Tropical Storm Beta dumped more than a foot of rain on some places in the Houston area during the nearly three days it was in the vicinity. The southern part of Houston and Harris County was one of the hardest-hit areas by the floodwaters, where more than a foot of rain fell on some communities. The amounts varied widely across the county. For example, Hobby Airport on the southeast side received 11.76 inches of rain, while George Bush Intercontinental Airport got 5.48 inches of rain. Here’s a look at the 10 highest rainfall amounts reported by the National Weather Service during Beta.

HOUSTON – Rain is the only thing left of Beta and it is moving through the Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. This batch of rain will continue to push into the mid-Atlantic states Friday before moving off shore this weekend. Here is a look at what Beta left behind in Southeast Texas:Heavy Rain with Storm Totals over 12′'! Beta has dropped over a foot of rain in some locations in southern Metro Houston. The heaviest rain fell from Ellington Field and Pearland to west Houston.

HOUSTON – Tropical Storm Beta drenched Houston Monday night and all day Tuesday, leaving several parts of the city underwater. The since downgraded Tropical Depression Beta continues to threaten the Houston-area with more rain Tuesday night. KPRC 2 reporters were stationed all around the city and collected stories from the worst-affected parts of town. Here’s what they saw:A closer look at the flooding in the Pearland areaTS Beta causes flooding in Pearland areaFlooded roads reported in north and northwest Harris County due to heavy rainBeta causes flooding in the Greenspoint areaHighway 288 and Houston’s SouthsideHouston activist and rapper, Trae Tha Truth, goes door-to-door to helpSeveral high-water rescues conducted in the Houston area due to flash floodingBuffalo Bayou flows over its banks due to rise in water levelsFlood water creeps into Friendswood-area homes

HOUSTON – Houston officials say more than 100,000 gallons of domestic wastewater have been spilled in five locations in Houston as of 6:30 p.m. Tuesday due to the “intense, sustained, rainfall of greater than 10 inches in the last 24 hours,” during Tropical Storm Beta. LIVE BLOG: Read the latest updates from the developing Tropical Depression Beta hereOfficials with Houston Public Works and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality are monitoring the situation. At present, officials say if you receive your water from the city of Houston, you do not need to boil your drinking water. Here’s a map of where the spills occurred:The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires the city to provide residents with the following information in event of a wastewater spill:

HOUSTON – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo held a news conference Tuesday where she said the area is in for a longer period of severe weather. “Anytime between now and when the storm moves away ... we could see a new band of rain form that could cause flooding to structures,” Hidalgo said. “Any areas of flooding east of the reservoirs is due to high rain,” Hidalgo said. Your minivan is not magical, so stay off the roads right now and make sure you do so until the threat passes,” Hidalgo said. Hidalgo said people can go to ReadyHarris.org to get up-to-date information about weather, flood conditions, traffic, bayou levels and more.

HOUSTON – Fall is here, Houston! Despite that Houston is still dealing with the effects of Tropical Storm Beta, at least there is one thing to look forward to as we enter a brand new season. From TV shows to the cool weather and even birthdays, here’s what some of our Houstonians on our KPRC 2 Facebook page are looking forward to on the first day of fall. Here’s what they said:“rainFALL for sure lol.. and my 40th birthday!” - Anne Cablitas Simsuangco“Everything, it is my favorite season. Cooler temps, leaves changing colors, nice wind, just want to spend every day outside (at a state park preferably).” - Elvisa Imamovic“Its time for boots and over sized sweaters!

Here are things you need to know for Tuesday, Sept. 22:1. LIVE BLOG: Flash flood warning extended for Houston areaTropical Storm Beta is lashing the Southeast Texas coastline. Pounding waves and storm surge have caused damage and flooding for some coastal communities, while inland locations have received several inches of torrential rains. Young Houston doctor dies from COVID-19Adeline Fagan was a promising young doctor from New York. The 28-year-old doctor is not someone you expect to suffer horrible complications from the virus but that’s exactly what happened.

HOUSTON – With Tropical Storm Beta bashing the Gulf coast, first responders may get a chance to put some unique training to the test. Inside a warehouse near Austin, Rick Cummins trains the next generation of water rescuers at his Fathom Academy. Since it opened two and a half years ago, Cummins has trained about 300 first responders, with more than 90% of them from the Houston area. The goal is to put them in real-life flooding scenarios that we’ve seen in recent years, including Hurricane Harvey and Tropical Storm Imelda. Cummins also had tips for people who might find themselves stuck in high water and in need of rescue.

HOUSTON – Fort Bend County officials ensured the community that they are taking the necessary steps as Tropical Storm Beta moves into the area Monday. Greg Abbott also declared an emergency disaster for several Texas counties, which includes Fort Bend County. County Judge KP George was joined by Fort Bend Emergency Coordinator Mark Flathouse and Fort Bend County Drainage District Director Mark Vogler. Judge George said they will continue to monitor the storm and will update residents as information develops. He asked residents to text FBC Alert to 888-777 to sign up to get notifications from Fort Bend County Emergency Management.

HOUSTON – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo held a news conference Monday afternoon to urge residents to prepare for Tropical Storm Beta. Hidalgo was joined by other Harris County officials including meteorologist and Director of Flood Operations, Jeff Lindner. “At any moment, anywhere in Harris County, we could see heavy rain and possibly flooding," Hidalgo said. The Harris County Emergency Operation Center is activated to a level three, which is increased readiness. High-water traffic maps, maps of bayou levels and rainfall amounts are available at ReadyHarris.org, among many other sources, Hidalgo said.

HOUSTON – Tropical Storm Beta is pummeling the Southeast Texas coastline with storm surge and heavy rain. (KPRC)KemahWater covers the entrance to the Kemah Boardwalk in Kemah, Texas, during Tropical Storm Beta on Sept. 21, 2020. (KPRC)Waves crash against a boat dock in Kemah, Texas, during Tropical Storm Beta on Sept. 21, 2020. (KPRC)Brazoria CountyVehicles navigate a flooded street in Brazoria County, Texas, during Tropical Storm Beta on Sept. 21, 2020. (KPRC)A Centerpoint Energy crew drives on a street in Brazoria County, Texas, during Tropical Storm Beta on Sept. 21, 2020.

KPRC 2 viewers from across Southeast Texas are sharing their experiences during Tropical Storm Beta in the form of photos and videos posted on Click2Pins. Here is a roundup of some of the posts we’ve gotten. You can share yours on Click2Pins here. noahstakes01 HoustonMarlaGentry HoustonWally Crow HoustonFelixfam2016 HoustonMikeheadley HoustonFelixfam2016 HoustonWally Crow HoustonMFosheeJr CluteBetty Houstonjanaeramsey Clear Lake ShoresRonWooten Jamaica BeachRonWooten Jamaica BeachAlan&Conny Galvestongeejtech713 RosenbergAmyStonesifer GalvestonPeggy Attridge GalvestonRonWooten Jamaica BeachAnnEckermann Galveston

Here are things you need to know for Monday, Sept. 21:1. Man kills wife during domestic dispute at apartment complex in NW Harris County: HCSODeputies are investigating after they said a man killed his wife at an apartment complex in northwest Harris County Sunday. Mayor Turner prepares residents for Tropical Storm BetaMayor Sylvester Turner outlines Houston’s weather plans ahead of Tropical Storm Beta during a press conference on Sunday. Greg Abbott on Tropical Storm BetaGov. Greg Abbott discussed the state’s response plan Sunday as Tropical Storm Beta slowly approaches the Gulf Coast.

HOUSTON – Tropical Storm Beta is moving closer to the Texas coastline and causing high waves and storm surge in coastal communities. Here is a look at some images being shared on social media of the effects of Beta. #HOUwx #GLSwx #Beta #txwx(webcam from @SaltwaterRecon) pic.twitter.com/x2cUUkssxj — NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) September 21, 2020Seawolf Park floodingFlooding in SeabrookStorm surge flooding near Seabrook, TX along Galveston Bay this morning. pic.twitter.com/1KJ3o21kDq — Ian Shelton (@IanShelton1997) September 21, 2020Storm Surge near San Luis PassStorm surge flooding near San Luis Pass this morning. Posted by City of Texas City on Monday, September 21, 2020Flooding in Sargent

HOUSTON – As Tropical Storm Beta neared the Texas coast Monday, the biggest unknown was how much rainfall it could produce in areas that have already seen their share of damaging weather during a busy hurricane season. Rain from Beta was already coming down Monday in the Houston area. Earlier predictions of up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) in some areas were downgraded Monday to up to 15 inches (38 centimeters). Forecasters and officials reassured residents Beta was not expected to be another Hurricane Harvey or Tropical Storm Imelda. Harvey in 2017 dumped more than 50 inches (127 centimeters) of rain on Houston, causing $125 billion in damage in Texas.

You can follow our coverage of the storm in the blog below:Wednesday, Sept. 2311:42 a.m. -- Conditions clearing up for some of those who were waterloggedConditions are clearing up for some of those who were waterlogged. 5:12 a.m. -- Flash Flood Warning in effect for Houston areas, including PearlandA Flash Flood Warning is in effect for Houston areas, including Pearland. 12:27 p.m. — Flash Flood Warning in place until 2:15 a.m. for Colorado, Jackson and Wharton countiesWeather Alert: Flash Flood Warning for Colorado, Jackson, and Wharton County until 2:15am Tuesday. Tropical Storm #Beta has made landfall in Texas - the 9th named storm to make landfall in the continental US this year. Seabrook, Kemah and Shore Acres areasSeabrook is under a storm surge warning and a tropical storm warning.

Humble ISD - Humble ISD schools and buildings are OPEN on Wednesday, Sept. 23, following Tropical Storm Beta. Klein Online students will continue to learn online and Klein On-Campus students will return to their campus. San Jacinto College - San Jacinto College will extend online learning and remote work for Wednesday, Sept. 23. Tomball ISD - Tomball ISD schools and facilities are open Wednesday, Sept. 23 and the district will operate on a normal schedule. Classes continue online.

Greg Abbott discussed the state’s response plan Sunday as Tropical Storm Beta slowly approaches the Gulf Coast. KPRC 2: What does the state’s response look like Sunday night? Abbott: "We’ve already allocated resources in multiple regions across the entire Gulf Coast, not knowing exactly where the storm will come across. Abbott: I do, and we typically do if it’s going to be a hurricane, it typically would be issued in advance. Obviously there’s been a lack of clarity about exactly where the storm is going to hit.

HOUSTON – Mayor Sylvester Turner outlines Houston’s weather plans ahead of Tropical Storm Beta during a press conference on Sunday. He also provided an update on the city’s COVID-19 response. Here is Sunday’s press conference:

Forecasters said Beta was not expected to bring the same amount of rainfall that Texas experienced during either Hurricane Harvey in 2017 or Tropical Storm Imelda last year. The first rain bands from Beta reached the Texas coast on Sunday, but the heaviest rain wasn't expected to arrive until Monday into Tuesday. If the system makes landfall in Texas, it would be the ninth named storm to make landfall in the continental U.S. in 2020. A tropical storm warning was in effect for Bermuda. Wilfred, which had been a tropical storm, weakened to a tropical depression earlier Sunday.

HOUSTON – A Galveston resident captured the rising storm surge Saturday as Tropical Storm Beta stalls in the Gulf of Mexico. The resident shared photos on Twitter of the surge breaching a divider and approaching a boat docking area near beachfront homes in the Sea Isle subdivision on west end of Galveston. The initial photos were taken at 1 p.m.A few hours later, the resident shared more photos. He said around 8 p.m. he measured the waters as two inches from a concrete slab.

HOUSTON – Houston-area officials are issuing voluntary evacuations and disaster declarations as Tropical Storm Beta continues to brew in the Gulf of Mexico. Bolivar PeninsulaGalveston County Judge Mark Henry issued a voluntary evacuation order, effective 9 a.m. Saturday. Chambers CountyChambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia issued a disaster declaration on Saturday in advance of Tropical Storm Beta. Those residents whose homes have been affected in past high rain or high storm surge events should consider moving to higher ground. Lake HoustonHouston Public Works is temporarily lowering Lake Houston from 42 feet to 41.5 feet in anticipation of Tropical Storm Beta.

GALVESTON COUNTY – As the wind begins to pick up across the island and another disturbance brews in the Gulf, Galveston County and city leaders are already preparing. During a news conference Saturday, Henry issued a disaster declaration for the county in preparation for what could be “significant damage” and a voluntary evacuation for the Bolivar Peninsula. “The peninsula has a chance of being cut off from the rest of the county,” Henry said. According to Henry, people who feel comfortable being without power for a few days are in the clear to stay home. “We hope you don’t have to execute it, but be prepared in case you do.”Watch the full update below:Galveston County Judge Mark Henry gives update on Tropical Storm Beta.

HOUSTON – Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta issued a voluntary evacuation Saturday for low-lying coastal areas outside the protection levee, beginning Saturday at 4 p.m.Officials also closed county beaches to vehicular traffic due to current high tides and impending storm surge, starting Saturday at 6 p.m.Officials said all coastal residents and visitors need to continue to stay up-to-date on Tropical Storm Beta, which is expected to strengthen into a hurricane and conditions along the coast could change quickly. Those along the coast need to be prepared and have a plan if conditions worsen, the county said.

MIAMI – An exceptionally busy Atlantic hurricane season was churning along Saturday as the Texas coast prepared for a tropical storm that could strengthen into a hurricane before breaching its shores in the week ahead. Both the city of Galveston and Galveston County on Saturday issued voluntary evacuation orders ahead of Tropical Storm Beta, as did the city of Seabrook to the north of Galveston. Forecasters issued a tropical storm warning from Port Aransas, Texas, to Morgan City, Louisiana. Beta had maximum sustained winds at 60 mph (95 kph) and was moving north-northeast at 2 mph (4 kph) Saturday night. A tropical storm warning was in effect for Bermuda.

Location 60 miles NNE of Birmingham Alabama Wind 10 mph Heading NE at 10 mph Pressure 29.83 Coordinates 86.3W, 34.3NDiscussionAt 400 AM CDT (0900 UTC), the center of Post-Tropical Cyclone Beta was located near latitude 34.3 North, longitude 86.3 West. The post-tropical cyclone is moving toward the northeast near 10 mph (17 km/h) until it becomes indistinguishable within the background wind and pressure field by mid-afternoon Friday. Maximum sustained winds are near 10 mph (20 km/h) with higher gusts. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1010 mb (29.83 inches). Tropics Satellite at 3:39 Friday Night, September 25thWatches and WarningsThere are no watches or warnings in effect.

HOUSTON – As the Houston-area and the Gulf Coast is bracing for severe storms, it is very important to keep connected with accurate local, state, and national social media accounts. The following list below contains social media accounts from local and national connections and sometimes websites with all the latest information if applicable. KPRC 2 meteorologists and our traffic expertKPRC 2 meteorologists are staying on top of Tropical Storm Beta with all the latest information as it comes in. Frank BillingsleyBritta MerwinJustin StapletonKhambrel MarshallEric BraateAnavid Reyes - KPRC 2 Traffic ExpertFederal social mediaBoth the NWS and the National Hurricane Center are issuing advisories on both Laura and Marco. NWS Houston/GalvestonNational Hurricane CenterHouston-area meteorologistsThe following local meteorologists are also providing the latest info on Laura and Marco in the local sector.