HOUSTON (AP) — Tropical Storm Imelda is threatening to dump up to 18 inches (46 centimeters) of rain in parts of Southeast Texas and southwestern Louisiana over the next few days.
Jeff Lindner, a meteorologist and director of flood operations for the Harris County Flood Control District in Houston, says the main threat from the storm remains the potential for heavy rainfall and flooding.
But he says the ground is dry and initial rainfall "will go toward saturating" it.
Ken Graham, director of the National Hurricane Center, says the Houston area and parts of the upper Texas coast and East Texas could get significant rainfall through Thursday.
Imelda's rain bands have also been stretching into Louisiana.
The National Weather Service says it's the first named storm to impact the Houston area since Hurricane Harvey.
