Alert archive / Texas / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026
Flash Flood Warning 72, NWS Lake Charles, LA
NWS Lake Charles, LA issued this flash flood warning at Sep 2, 2026, 8:11 PM CDT for Hardin County, Texas. It was in force for 5 hr. 2 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- Sep 2, 2026, 8:11 PM CDT (01:11 UTC)
- Expired
- Sep 3, 2026, 1:15 AM CDT
- In force
- 5 hr
- Issued by
- NWS Lake Charles, LA
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Emergency
- Flash flood emergency
- Flood severity
- None
County Hardin County, TX
The radar
The Houston radar (KHGX), 104 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 01:14 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.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 9:00 PM CDT | FLASH FLOOD | 0 E Saratoga, TX | Several water rescues ongoing in Saratoga due to high water from rainfall. |
| Sep 2, 9:15 PM CDT | FLASH FLOOD | 0 W Saratoga, TX | Local Sheriff Office reports TXDOT is closing hwy 787 out of Saratoga due to high water. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
Did it verify
Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched 2 storm reports to this flash flood warning; the first came 49 minutes after it went out.
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
Lake Charles Mun, LA (KLCH), launched 00:00Z, 1.2 hours before the alert went out and 133 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.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 1605 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -5 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 851 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 10 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 30 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 48 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
194
WGUS54 KLCH 030111
FFWLCH
TXC199-030415-
/O.NEW.KLCH.FF.W.0072.260903T0111Z-260903T0415Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
811 PM CDT Wed Sep 2 2026
The National Weather Service in Lake Charles has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for...
West Central Hardin County in southeastern Texas...
* Until 1115 PM CDT.
* At 811 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. The expected rainfall rate is 2
to 4 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 3 inches
are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or
expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
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...
Saratoga and Batson.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the
dangers of flooding.
Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
&&
LAT...LON 3035 9468 3036 9436 3021 9449 3021 9463
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
EXPECTED RAINFALL RATE...2-4 INCHES IN 1 HOUR
$$
Calhoun2 follow-up statements
097
WGUS74 KLCH 030155
FFSLCH
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
855 PM CDT Wed Sep 2 2026
TXC199-030415-
/O.CON.KLCH.FF.W.0072.000000T0000Z-260903T0415Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Hardin TX-
855 PM CDT Wed Sep 2 2026
...FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY FOR SARATOGA...
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1115 PM CDT THIS
EVENING FOR WEST CENTRAL HARDIN COUNTY...
At 855 PM CDT, local law enforcement reported thunderstorms producing
heavy rain resulting in flash flooding in Saratoga. Between 3 and 7
inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 5
inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is already
occurring.
FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for Saratoga. This is a PARTICULARLY
DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!
HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing
flash flooding.
SOURCE...Law enforcement reported.
IMPACT...This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER
GROUND NOW! Life threatening flash flooding of low water
crossings, small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways,
streets and underpasses.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Saratoga and Batson.
TX DOT is closing HWY 787 due to high water. Avoid flooded roadways.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Move to higher ground now! This is an extremely dangerous and
life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are
fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the
dangers of flooding.
&&
LAT...LON 3035 9468 3036 9436 3021 9449 3021 9463
FLASH FLOOD...OBSERVED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CATASTROPHIC
$$
Calhoun954
WGUS54 KLCH 030358
FFWLCH
TXC199-030615-
/O.EXT.KLCH.FF.W.0072.000000T0000Z-260903T0615Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
1058 PM CDT Wed Sep 2 2026
The National Weather Service in Lake Charles has extended the
* Flash Flood Warning for...
West Central Hardin County in southeastern Texas...
* Until 115 AM CDT.
* At 1058 PM CDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated
thunderstorms producing heavy rain in Saratoga. Between 4 and 8
inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2
inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is already
occurring.
HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing
flash flooding.
SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges.
IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams,
urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Saratoga and Batson.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the
dangers of flooding.
&&
LAT...LON 3035 9468 3036 9436 3021 9449 3021 9463
FLASH FLOOD...RADAR AND GAUGE INDICATED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE
$$
CalhounWhat 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 Lake Charles, LA wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at Sep 2, 6:18 PM CDT, 1 hour 53 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- TD Edouard continues to weaken as it move up ETX.
- In the wake Edouard, a broad weakness in the mid levels will remain over the area through the weekend along with abundant moisture, keeping decent chances for daily scattered showers and thunderstorms amid typical summertime heat.
- While highs gradually recover to the mid 90s through the rest of the week, an unsettled moisture pattern will allow a few instances of flash flooding to remain possible.
Area forecast discussion, Sep 2, 6:18 PM CDT, 1 hour 53 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
618 PM CDT Wed Sep 2 2026
...New AVIATION...
.KEY MESSAGES...
- TD Edouard continues to weaken as it move up ETX.
- In the wake Edouard, a broad weakness in the mid levels will
remain over the area through the weekend along with abundant
moisture, keeping decent chances for daily scattered showers
and thunderstorms amid typical summertime heat.
- While highs gradually recover to the mid 90s through the rest of
the week, an unsettled moisture pattern will allow a few
instances of flash flooding to remain possible.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
(This evening through next Tuesday)
Issued at 124 PM CDT Wed Sep 2 2026
Tropical Depression Edouard continues to weaken as it slowly moves
up eastern TX. Nevertheless, it continued to pose a significant
flash flood threat to the area today. Conditions are expected to
improve as some of the heavier showers across TX have begun to
lighten up, however showers and storms are still streaming up across
the CWA. Particularly a few bands of heavy showers and storms moving
through the Acadiana region through CenLA.
Going through the end of this work week, the wet pattern will
persist as an upper level trough deepens over the Gulf and a
moisture rich airmass remains in place. A ridge aloft will expand
from the Southern Plains into the Southeast, however it curves north
of the CWA. Depending on how far south it extends, we could see
conditions dry out very slightly with above average temperatures
returning.
&&
.AVIATION...
(00Z TAFS)
Issued at 615 PM CDT Wed Sep 2 2026
Light mainly SE winds and broken to overcast ceilings will
continue into the overnight hours. Areas of MVFR ceilings this
evening will largely dissipated overnight, with VFR CIGs then
prevailing through tomorrow. Another round of showers and storms
is expected to develop by mid/late morning tomorrow across
BPT/LCH, expanding eastward by midday. Coverage should be fairly
scattered.
&&
.MARINE...
Issued at 124 PM CDT Wed Sep 2 2026
With TD Edouard far enough inland, winds and seas have come down.
Expect a modest onshore flow around 7-15 kts, chances of scattered
convection, and seas 1 to 2 ft of convection.
&&
.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 124 PM CDT Wed Sep 2 2026
Despite rainfall from TD Edouard, parts of the area remain in a
drought. Recent rain and expected rain from this week likely to help
out. With exception to parts of SETX and the coast, KBDIs will range
from 600 to 750 with MinRHs in the mid 40s to 60s, and mostly light
winds.
&&
.LCH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
LA...None.
TX...Flood Watch until 7 PM CDT this evening for TXZ180-201-261-262-
515-516-615-616.
GM...None.
&&
PUBLIC/FIRE/MARINE...87
AVIATION...17In the hours before
Special weather statement, Sep 2, 4:00 PM CDT, 4 hours 11 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
400 PM CDT Wed Sep 2 2026
TXZ180-022145-
Tyler TX-
400 PM CDT Wed Sep 2 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN TYLER COUNTY
THROUGH 445 PM CDT...
At 400 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles southwest of Chester, moving east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Colmesneil, Chester, and Rockland.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3106 9456 3105 9449 3103 9448 3104 9445
3100 9445 3101 9444 3103 9441 3103 9438
3104 9435 3102 9432 3103 9430 3083 9422
3077 9460 3101 9466
TIME...MOT...LOC 2100Z 253DEG 25KT 3085 9470
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
CalhounSpecial weather statement, Sep 2, 6:47 PM CDT, 1 hour 24 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
647 PM CDT Wed Sep 2 2026
TXZ180-201-030015-
Hardin TX-Tyler TX-
647 PM CDT Wed Sep 2 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN TYLER AND
NORTHWESTERN HARDIN COUNTIES THROUGH 715 PM CDT...
At 647 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Wildwood, moving east at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Warren, Thicket, Wildwood, Votaw, Honey Island, Village Mills, and
Ivanhoe.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3049 9454 3051 9454 3066 9458 3070 9442
3051 9439 3034 9444 3037 9469 3049 9473
TIME...MOT...LOC 2347Z 261DEG 14KT 3050 9454
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
CalhounThe office that day
Everything else NWS Lake Charles, LA issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 3, 12:47 AM CDT | Areal Flood Warning | LCH | Hardin | 6 hr |
| Sep 3, 8:09 AM CDT | Areal Flood Warning | LCH | Hardin, Jefferson, Tyler | 9 hr |
| Sep 3, 10:55 AM CDT | Flash Flood Warning | LCH | Tyler | 3 hr |
| Sep 3, 4:29 PM CDT | Areal Flood Warning | LCH | Hardin, Jefferson | 27 hr |
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; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.