News Summary
A storm alert has been issued for the Texas coast as Invest 98L approaches, raising concerns of heavy rain and potential flash flooding. The National Hurricane Center indicates a significant chance of the system developing into a tropical depression. Residents in South Texas and northeastern Mexico should prepare for substantial rainfall, while minimal impact is expected in Houston. Despite lower flooding threats compared to recent systems, caution is advised as isolated street flooding remains a risk. Coastal residents are encouraged to stay informed as conditions evolve.
Houston, Texas – A Storm Alert has been issued for Friday as tropical moisture associated with Invest 98L approaches the Texas coast. As heavy rain is anticipated on Friday afternoon, the entire Texas coastline faces a risk of isolated flash flooding.
According to the National Hurricane Center, the tropical wave, known as Invest 98L, is currently located over the Bay of Campeche. The system shows a significant chance of developing into a tropical depression, with 50% likelihood over the next 48 hours and continuing for the next seven days. Forecast models predict that Invest 98L will move west-northwest across the Gulf of Mexico over the next day.
There is a notable possibility that the system could make landfall in northeastern Mexico or South Texas by late Friday. Once it moves inland, the potential for further tropical development will diminish. Areas in northeastern Mexico and South Texas are expected to experience substantial rainfall in the coming days.
For the Houston area, minimal impacts are expected, although rainfall chances may increase throughout Friday and Saturday morning. Isolated street flooding poses a risk with a 1/4 chance primarily stretching from Houston to the coast. The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center has classified the Texas Gulf Coast under a low risk for flooding, rated 1 out of 4.
Rainfall amounts across the upper Texas Gulf Coast are projected to remain under an inch; however, heavier local downpours could occur closer to the coastline. Forecasts suggest that the system may produce between 1 to 3 inches of rain in some locations, but many residents will likely see less than half an inch.
Compared to other recent tropical systems like Tropical Storm Barry, the rainfall from Invest 98L presents a relatively lower flooding threat. Current sea-surface temperatures in the Gulf stand at around 86 degrees, which is conducive for potential tropical development while monitoring continues across the waters.
Another system, Tropical Storm Erin, is being observed in the Atlantic but is not expected to affect Texas. Residents along the Texas coast are encouraged to stay updated as further data becomes available from Hurricane Hunter aircraft conducting investigations into Invest 98L.
This developing weather situation serves as a reminder for coastal residents to remain alert and prepared for any changes as the tropical wave approaches. With heavy rainfall and flashes of potential flooding on the horizon, taking precautionary measures is advisable.
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Additional Resources
- FOX 26 Houston: NHC Tropical Development Gulf Path Houston Texas Impacts
- Wikipedia: Tropical cyclone
- Houston Chronicle: Erin Tropical Invest 98L Gulf Texas Flood Risk
- Google Search: Invest 98L
- Space City Weather: Odds Increasing for Tropical Storm to Form in the Gulf
- Google Scholar: Hurricane weather
- FOX 26 Houston: Watching Tropical Disturbance Gulf Hot Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical storms
- KPRC 2: Houston Braces for Potential Tropical Downpour
- Google News: Tropical downpour August 2025
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
