The Tropical System that we have been watching over the past couple days has been officially upgraded to Tropical Storm Imelda. The system has produced sustained winds of 40 mph with gusts near 50 mph near Freeport. With its development and the formation of a more well defined surface circulation, we are gaining slightly more confidence in the rainfall forecast and amounts. TS Imeldab s center is forecasted to move in a north to north-northwesterly direction along the SH 288 corridor through Brazoria and Harris County this evening and overnight. This should bring the heaviest rainfall along the center and to the east of its track.
Depending on the final path and speed of TS Imelda, we have the potential for rainfall amounts between 4 to 6 inches with isolated amounts 10 to 15 inches through Thursday. As mentioned, the heaviest rainfall should be along and to the east of the SH 288 corridor, but this system could produce rainfall intensities between 2 to 3 inches per hour. Although Tropical Storm Winds are possible for areas along the Coast, our biggest threat continues to be the rainfall which could cause street and small stream flooding. At this time, there is no forecasted threat of flooding along the Brazos River, but we will continue to monitor the conditions and provide updates as needed.
