Alert archive / Texas / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026

Flash Flood Warning 2, NWS Houston/Galveston, TX

May 20, 2026Brazoria County, Matagorda County, Texas

NWS Houston/Galveston, TX issued this flash flood warning at May 20, 2026, 9:26 AM CDT for Brazoria County, Matagorda County, Texas. It was in force for 109 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued
May 20, 2026, 9:26 AM CDT (14:26 UTC)
Expired
May 20, 2026, 11:15 AM CDT
In force
109 min
Issued by
NWS Houston/Galveston, TX
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
None

Counties Brazoria County, TX, Matagorda County, TX

The radar

The Houston radar (KHGX), 66 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 14:26 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this flash flood warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The nearest sounding before it

Brownsville Intl, TX (KBRO), launched 12:00Z, 2.4 hours before the alert went out and 392 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Brownsville Intl, TX at 12:00Z on 2026-05-20Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 3116 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Brownsville Intl, TX at 12:00Z on 2026-05-20The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 66 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
3116 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-5 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
570 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
25 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
66 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
94 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.7
Supercell composite
4.1

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

129 
WGUS54 KHGX 201426
FFWHGX
TXC039-321-201615-
/O.NEW.KHGX.FF.W.0002.260520T1426Z-260520T1615Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX
926 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026

The National Weather Service in League City has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Southeastern Brazoria County in southeastern Texas...
  East Central Matagorda County in southeastern Texas...

* Until 1115 AM CDT.

* At 926 AM CDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated 
  thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 
  4 and 8 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 
  1 to 1.5 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 
  inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing 
  or expected to begin shortly.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

  SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges.

  IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
           areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
           other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Lake Jackson, southern Angleton, Freeport, Clute, Surfside Beach, 
  Richwood, Brazoria, Jones Creek, Oyster Creek and Sargent.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.

&&

LAT...LON 2912 9551 2915 9537 2913 9522 2905 9514
      2893 9530 2885 9546 2876 9565 2881 9568
      2890 9568 2900 9565

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR AND GAUGE INDICATED
EXPECTED RAINFALL RATE...1-1.5 INCHES IN 1 HOUR

$$

KLG
1 follow-up statement
004 
WGUS74 KHGX 201612
FFSHGX

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX
1112 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026

TXC039-321-201622-
/O.EXP.KHGX.FF.W.0002.000000T0000Z-260520T1615Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Brazoria TX-Matagorda TX-
1112 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 1115 AM CDT THIS MORNING FOR 
SOUTHEASTERN BRAZORIA AND EAST CENTRAL MATAGORDA COUNTIES...

The heavy rain has ended. Flooding is no longer expected to pose a 
threat. Please continue to heed remaining road closures.

&&

LAT...LON 2912 9551 2915 9537 2913 9522 2905 9514
      2893 9530 2885 9546 2876 9565 2881 9568
      2890 9568 2900 9565

$$

KLG

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this flash flood warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Houston/Galveston, TX wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at May 20, 6:31 AM CDT, 2 hours 55 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected this week. Some may be strong at times. Locally heavy rainfall also possible.
  • Risk of flooding/flash flooding will need to be monitored, moreso later this week/weekend as rain totals begin adding up and the ground becomes more saturated.
  • Mariners should be prepared for the multiple rounds of storms. Winds and seas will be higher in and near storms.
Area forecast discussion, May 20, 6:31 AM CDT, 2 hours 55 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX
631 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026

...New AVIATION...

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected this week. Some may
  be strong at times. Locally heavy rainfall also possible.

- Risk of flooding/flash flooding will need to be monitored, moreso
  later this week/weekend as rain totals begin adding up and the
  ground becomes more saturated.

- Mariners should be prepared for the multiple rounds of storms.
  Winds and seas will be higher in and near storms.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 136 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026

First round of storms, one of many to come, is in the process of
working its way through the region. Main impact from these were
30-50mph gusts and some localized heavy downpours. Totals have
mainly been under an inch, but there's a few spots that've seen
1-4". Expect rainfall to taper off in the morning hours, and we'll
likely be stabilized for a good while afterwards so have trimmed
POPs back for the remainder of the day.

We will remain in an unsettled wx pattern for several days
ahead...characterized by persistent western troffiness and us
being positioned within a very messy southwesterly flow aloft in
advance. With deep Gulf moisture in place (PW's 1.7-2.1"), chances
of diurnally driven precip will be in place at a minimum. But
stronger impulses embedded in the flow aloft will likely trigger
more organized storm complexes at times, along with the potential
for some stronger storms & heavier rain rates...which can occur
during the nighttime hours as well. Unfortunately in this type of
pattern, the problem is actually identifying these disturbances
when they're beyond 12-24 hours out, then adjusting for periods of
stabilization afterwards.

Right now, we're eyeballing the next next stronger impulse and
associated widespread precip making its way in from the west
toward Thursday morning. Each round will probably bring somewhere
in the order of 0.5-3.0" rainfall to the area. In the short term,
we should be able to handle another round or maybe two without too
many flood issues, other than the typical localized variety. But
as days wear on, the precip totals begin adding up, and the ground
becomes increasingly saturated...we'll have be be cognizant of
the potential for increasing flood/flash flood impacts in the days
ahead. Guidance remains wet thru the holiday weekend into early
next week as the western mid-upper trof moves into Texas...and
possibly another trof dropping into about the same area later next
week.

&&

.AVIATION...
(12Z TAF Issuance)
Issued at 600 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026

Showers and thunderstorms are ongoing this morning, and continue
to move east/southeast across the CWA. Based on the most recent
model guidance, storms are expected to move southeast and exit the
region by about 16Z. All sites prevail at VFR, with the main
concern being the showers and thunderstorms ongoing this morning.
Early this afternoon, CIGs are forecast to lower to MVFR for a
brief period, before returning to VFR mid-afternoon. Winds will
be about 5-10 KTs and variable today as the storms move through,
eventually becoming southeasterly this afternoon. Near the end of
this TAF period, another round of showers is expected to move in
from west to east, although timing and the associated CIGs are
uncertain. CIGs should lower, though it is uncertain whether they
will lower enough to transition from VFR to MVFR. We will monitor
trends in case amendments are needed.

&&

.MARINE...
Issued at 136 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026

Showers and thunderstorms are in the process of pushing off the
coast. Some 30 to 40 knot gusts are anticipated along the leading
band of storms as they pass southward. Winds could be chaotic in
terms of speed and direction through mid to late morning
Wednesday with a localized tight pressure gradient in the vicinity
of a MCV. We could see somewhat of a lull in speeds at times in
the coming hours, but quickly increase again for 4 to 8 hours
Wednesday morning. Have broadbrushed a SCA for all waters to take
these factors into account.  Otherwise, an unsettled weather
pattern will persist into the weekend...with additional rounds of
storms likely. Unfortunately, each individual complex will be
difficult to time beyond 12 to 24 hours. During breaks in between
systems, look for light to moderate onshore winds and 3-5 foot
seas.  47

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
Issued at 305 PM CDT Tue May 19 2026

Multiple rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall are expected this
evening through Monday. The first round will start tonight bringing
1-3" with isolated higher amounts of 5-7+". With PW values exceeding
the 90th percentile (~1.7-2.1"), rainfall rates of 2-4"/hr are
possible in the heaviest downpours. Anywhere we see these intense
rainfall rates, localized flash flooding is possible. That being
said, we are not anticipating widespread river flooding just yet;
however, this will help prime the soils as we continue with a wet
pattern.

As the week progresses, multiple rounds of moderate to heavy
rainfall on top of primed soils will generate runoff and cause rises
on area rivers and watersheds. The greatest threat for heavy
rainfall, flash and riverine flooding comes this holiday weekend as
intense rainfall rates will bring accumulated values of 4-6+" across
most of southeast Texas Saturday into Monday.

Widespread action to minor stage flooding is expected with moderate
to isolated major stage flooding possible depending on where the
most rainfall accumulates. Remember that you can monitor updated
river forecasts via the NWS NWPS webpage (https://water.noaa.gov/).

Landry-Guyton

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
College Station (CLL)	  83  70  79  70 /  30  50  90  60
Houston (IAH)			  83  73  82  73 /  30  40  80  50
Galveston (GLS)			  84  78  84  79 /  40  30  60  60

&&

.HGX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
TX...High Rip Current Risk through this evening for TXZ436>439.

GM...Small Craft Advisory until 11 AM CDT this morning for GMZ330-350-
     355-370-375.

&&

DISCUSSION...47
AVIATION...MLG
MARINE...47

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 20, 3:32 AM CDT, 5 hours 54 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX
332 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026

TXZ336-337-436-437-200900-
Coastal Matagorda TX-Matagorda Islands TX-Brazoria Islands TX-
Coastal Brazoria TX-
332 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTH CENTRAL BRAZORIA AND EAST
CENTRAL MATAGORDA COUNTIES THROUGH 400 AM CDT...

At 332 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles southwest of Jones Creek, or 10 miles southwest of Freeport,
moving east at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Southeastern Lake Jackson, Freeport, Clute, Jones Creek, and Oyster
Creek.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 2874 9557 2895 9566 2904 9535 2881 9526
TIME...MOT...LOC 0832Z 253DEG 20KT 2888 9553

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Self
Special weather statement, May 20, 3:58 AM CDT, 5 hours 28 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX
358 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026

TXZ337-437-200930-
Brazoria Islands TX-Coastal Brazoria TX-
358 AM CDT Wed May 20 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN BRAZORIA COUNTY
THROUGH 430 AM CDT...

At 358 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Freeport, moving east at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Southeastern Lake Jackson, Freeport, Clute, Surfside Beach, Jones
Creek, and Oyster Creek.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 2899 9553 2908 9516 2888 9512 2881 9521
      2880 9549
TIME...MOT...LOC 0858Z 260DEG 19KT 2891 9543

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Self

The office that day

Everything else NWS Houston/Galveston, TX issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 19, 7:46 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHGXPolk, San Jacinto44 min
May 19, 8:32 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHGXLiberty, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Walker43 min
May 19, 8:49 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningHGXGrimes, Harris, Montgomery, Waller26 min
May 19, 9:14 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHGXLiberty, Montgomery46 min
May 19, 9:50 PM CDTSpecial Marine WarningHGX85 min
May 19, 10:17 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHGXAustin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston73 min
May 19, 10:21 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningHGXBurleson54 min
May 19, 10:50 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningHGXAustin, Burleson, Colorado, Washington55 min
May 19, 11:09 PM CDTSpecial Marine WarningHGX2 hr
May 19, 11:18 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHGXBrazos, Burleson57 min
May 19, 11:29 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningHGXAustin, Colorado, Waller, Washington, Wharton48 min
May 19, 11:42 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHGXWashington48 min
May 19, 11:56 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHGXBrazoria, Jackson, Matagorda, Wharton64 min
May 20, 12:11 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHGXBrazos, Grimes64 min
May 20, 12:17 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHGXAustin, Colorado58 min
May 20, 12:25 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHGXWaller65 min
May 20, 12:27 AM CDTSmall Craft AdvisoryHGX11 hr
May 20, 12:47 AM CDTSpecial Marine WarningHGX118 min
May 20, 1:00 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHGXFort Bend, Harris60 min
May 20, 1:08 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHGXJackson, Matagorda, Wharton67 min
May 20, 1:13 AM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryHGXAustin, Washington2 hr
May 20, 3:32 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHGXBrazoria28 min
May 20, 3:58 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementHGXBrazoria32 min
May 20, 4:02 AM CDTSpecial Marine WarningHGX43 min
May 20, 4:42 AM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryHGXBrazoria5 hr
May 20, 6:33 AM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryHGXBrazoria, Galveston4 hr
May 20, 6:59 AM CDTSpecial Marine WarningHGX91 min
May 20, 7:24 AM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryHGXBrazoria, Galveston, Harris3 hr
May 20, 8:10 AM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryHGXBrazoria, Matagorda2 hr
May 20, 8:28 AM CDTSpecial Marine WarningHGX62 min
May 20, 8:30 AM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryHGXBrazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Matagorda, Wharton2 hr
May 20, 12:41 PM CDTFlood WatchHGXAustin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston and 13 more4 days

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in Texas, 2026Every flash flood warning in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.