Flash Flood and Hail in Texas, May 3, 2017

Name: Flash Flood and Hail in Texas, May 3, 2017
Start: 2017-05-03T05:52
End: 2017-05-03T18:45
Location: Texas

May 3, 2017 · NWS LCH · 8 events in 4 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $11,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 8

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS LCH wrote it up.

Less than a week after a flooding event in Southeast Texas another wet period unfolded over the region. A strong short wave moved east across Texas while a warm front slowly moved north from the gulf. Numerous strong storms developed over the region. Heavy rainfall also occurred on already saturated soil.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at May 3, 5:33 AM CST, 19 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 3, 5:33 AM CST, 19 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
633 AM CDT Wed May 3 2017

.AVIATION...
Ongoing thunderstorms will continue to develop and expand in
coverage throughout the morning. Thunderstorms are expected to
become prevailing at most of the area TAF sites by this
afternoon. A squall line with strong winds...heavy rainfall...and
possibly hail is expected to move from NW to SE across the region
late this afternoon into this evening. The squall line is forecast
to clear AEX/BPT/LCH by 06Z tonight and LFT/ARA by 09Z. Behind the
front winds will shift to the NW and remain elevated through the
night.

&&

.PREV DISCUSSION... /issued 434 AM CDT Wed May 3 2017/

DISCUSSION...
Rapid changes with deteriorating weather conditions expected
today. Severe thunderstorms possible, heavy rains leading to
additional flooding, strong south to southeast winds inland and
offshore with small craft advisories in effect, along with minor
tidal coastal flooding possible.

First wave of convection expected to ramp up significantly across
Southeast Texas around daybreak, with significant moisture and
lift allowing thunderstorms to spread across the remainder of the
region later this morning and afternoon. Reasoning: Significant
mid/upper level shortwave moving through the southern U.S. will
allow for surface low pressure to move East Texas and Louisiana
followed by a strong cold front for early May. The frontal passage
will likely result in a significant squall line either just ahead
or along the frontal passage later this evening, exiting from
northwest to southeast late this evening into early Thursday
morning. A quick summary of the hazards expected today include:

Severe weather threat:
SPC has upgraded entire area to an Enhanced Risk, with large hail
possible and damaging winds the primary severe weather threat.

Flash Flood Watch:
Moderate risk of excessive rainfall today with rain amounts of 3
to 6 inches are expected across Southern Louisiana, with isolated
amounts exceeding 8 inches possible. Elsewhere slight risk of
excessive rainfall with rain amounts of 2 to 3 inches are expected
with isolated amounts exceeding 5 inches possible across
Southeast Texas and Central Louisiana.

Coastal Flood Advisory:
South to southeasterly winds will continue strengthening today
ahead of the next cold front this evening and early Thursday
morning. The increased onshore flow will lead to elevated tides of
1.5 to 2.0 feet above predicted levels this afternoon and evening.
This will result in tidal levels between 3.3 - 3.8 feet MLLW later
this afternoon and evening.

Once the front passes, the precipitation will come to an end, with
cooler than normal temperatures expected though Saturday. A
warming trend with no precipitation is expected Sunday through
Tuesday.

DML

MARINE...
South to southeasterly winds will continue strengthening today
ahead of the next cold front this evening and early Thursday
morning. The increased onshore flow will lead to elevated tides
of 1.5 to 2.0 feet above predicted levels this afternoon and
evening. Abundant moisture and lift along and ahead of the front
will bring increasing shower and thunderstorms today, with the
strongest storms expected with the frontal passage later this
evening into Thursday morning. Moderate to strong offshore flow is
expected Thursday through early Friday as high pressure builds
over the region. For the increased winds today and post frontal
overnight, issued Small Craft Advisories for all marine zones,
tapering off Thursday evening for the lakes/bays into the
overnight hours Friday morning for the remaining zones.

DML

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
AEX  77  54  71  51 / 100 100  10   0
LCH  79  58  74  54 / 100 100  10   0
LFT  80  59  74  54 / 100 100  10   0
BPT  81  57  75  54 / 100 100  10   0

&&

.LCH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
LA...Flash Flood Watch from 10 AM CDT this morning through Thursday
     morning for LAZ027>033-041>045-052>055-073-074.

     Coastal Flood Advisory from 10 AM this morning to 1 AM CDT
     Thursday for LAZ073-074.

     Wind Advisory from 7 PM this evening to 1 AM CDT Thursday for
     LAZ044-045-052>055-073-074.

     Wind Advisory from 10 AM this morning to 7 PM CDT this evening
     for LAZ028-029-031>033-041>043.

     Coastal Flood Advisory from 1 PM this afternoon to 4 AM CDT
     Thursday for LAZ052>054.

TX...Flash Flood Watch from 10 AM CDT this morning through Thursday
     morning for TXZ180-201-215-216-259>262.

     Coastal Flood Advisory from 10 AM this morning to 1 AM CDT
     Thursday for TXZ215-216.

     Wind Advisory from 10 AM this morning to 7 PM CDT this evening
     for TXZ215-216.

GM...Small Craft Advisory until 7 AM CDT Friday for GMZ470-472-475.

     Small Craft Exercise Caution from Thursday evening through
     Friday morning for GMZ470-472-475.

     Small Craft Advisory from 7 AM to 4 PM CDT Thursday for GMZ430-
     432-435.

     Small Craft Exercise Caution through Thursday morning for GMZ430-
     432-435.

     Small Craft Advisory until 1 AM CDT Friday for GMZ450-452-455.

&&

AVIATION...26

Hazardous weather outlook, May 3, 4:15 AM CST, 1 hour 37 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
515 AM CDT Wed May 3 2017

LAZ027>033-041>045-052>055-073-074-TXZ180-201-215-216-259>262-
041100-
Vernon-Rapides-Avoyelles-Beauregard-Allen-Evangeline-St. Landry-
Calcasieu-Jefferson Davis-Acadia-Lafayette-Upper St. Martin-
Vermilion-Iberia-St. Mary-Lower St. Martin-West Cameron-
East Cameron-Tyler-Hardin-Jefferson-Orange-Northern Jasper-
Northern Newton-Southern Jasper-Southern Newton-
515 AM CDT Wed May 3 2017

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central
Louisiana, south central Louisiana, southwest Louisiana, west
central Louisiana, and southeast Texas.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight
Rapid changes with deteriorating weather conditions expected
today. The Storm Prediction Center has entire area with an Enhanced
Risk of severe thunderstorms, with large hail possible and
damaging winds the primary severe weather threat.

Moderate risk of excessive rainfall today with rain amounts of 3
to 6 inches are expected across Southern Louisiana, with isolated
amounts exceeding 8 inches possible. Elsewhere slight risk of
excessive rainfall with rain amounts of 2 to 3 inches are expected
with isolated amounts exceeding 5 inches possible across
Southeast Texas and Central Louisiana.

Elevated south to southeasterly winds will lead to elevated tides
of 1.5 to 2.0 feet above predicted levels this afternoon and
evening. This will result in tidal levels between 3.3 - 3.8 feet
MLLW later this afternoon and evening along coastal Southern
Louisiana and Southeast Texas.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday
Precipitation expected to end once the cold front passes, with
cooler than normal temperatures expected though Saturday. A
warming trend with no precipitation is expected Sunday through
Tuesday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotter activation likely needed later this morning through the
evening hours.

GMZ430-432-435-450-452-455-470-472-475-041100-
Sabine Lake-Calcasieu Lake-Vermilion Bay-
Coastal waters from Cameron LA to High Island TX out 20 NM-
Coastal waters from Intracoastal City to Cameron LA out 20 NM-
Coastal waters from Lower Atchafalaya River to Intracoastal City
LA out 20 NM-
Waters from Cameron LA to High Island TX from 20 to 60 NM-
Waters from  Intracoastal City to Cameron LA from 20 to 60 NM-
Waters from Lower Atchafalaya River to Intracoastal City LA from
20 to 60 NM-
515 AM CDT Wed May 3 2017

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Gulf of Mexico.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight
South to southeasterly winds will continue strengthening today
ahead of the next cold front this evening and early Thursday
morning. Moderate to strong offshore flow is expected behind the
cold front. Small craft advisories are in effect for all marine
zones.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday
Moderate to strong offshore flow will continue behind the cold
front on Thursday, subsiding on Friday. Small craft advisories
will continue into Thursday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotter activation likely needed later this morning through the
evening hours.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 3, 5:20 AM CST, 32 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
620 AM CDT WED MAY 3 2017

TXZ180-201-215-216-259>262-031215-
Orange TX-Jefferson TX-Hardin TX-Southern Newton TX-
Northern Newton TX-Northern Jasper TX-Southern Jasper TX-Tyler TX-
620 AM CDT WED MAY 3 2017

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTH CENTRAL JEFFERSON...
TYLER...SOUTHWESTERN NEWTON...HARDIN...NORTHWESTERN ORANGE AND
SOUTHEASTERN JASPER COUNTIES UNTIL 715 AM CDT...

At 620 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Thicket to near Rose City. Movement was
northeast at 40 mph.

Dime size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
these storms.

Locations impacted include...
Beaumont, Lumberton, Vidor, Silsbee, Woodville, Kirbyville, Kountze,
Colmesneil, Chester, Evadale, Warren, Town Bluff, Thicket, Saratoga,
Call, Fred, Wildwood, Mauriceville, Buna and Bevil Oaks.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3049 9454 3102 9465 3057 9372 3054 9374
      3052 9371 3044 9370 3039 9376 3032 9375
      3001 9407 3029 9466 3049 9473
TIME...MOT...LOC 1120Z 218DEG 34KT 3038 9468 3010 9410

Landreneau

Special weather statement, May 3, 5:30 AM CST, 22 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
630 AM CDT WED MAY 3 2017

LAZ041-042-073-074-031245-
West Cameron LA-Calcasieu LA-Jefferson Davis LA-East Cameron LA-
630 AM CDT WED MAY 3 2017

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR EASTERN CAMERON...SOUTHERN
JEFFERSON DAVIS AND SOUTHEASTERN CALCASIEU PARISHES UNTIL 745 AM
CDT...

At 630 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Holly Beach to 7 miles southwest of Grand
Chenier. Movement was north at 35 mph.

Half inch hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
these storms.

Locations impacted include...
Lake Charles, Sulphur, Jennings, Cameron, Westlake, Welsh, Iowa, Lake
Arthur, Grand Lake, Hayes, Moss Bluff, Lacassine National Wildlife
Refuge, Lake Charles Regional Airport, Grand Chenier, Hacketts
Corner, Lebleu Settlement, Holly Beach, Lowry, Sweet Lake and
Carlyss.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 2972 9299 2977 9319 2978 9328 2976 9334
      2979 9332 2980 9334 2976 9335 2977 9351
      3038 9345 3022 9262 3007 9267 3004 9272
      3004 9268 2964 9279
TIME...MOT...LOC 1130Z 186DEG 31KT 2981 9343 2967 9302

Landreneau

The radar

The Lake Charles radar (KLCH), 125 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 11:52 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

5 hail, 2 thunderstorm wind, 1 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Hail, Hardin

When: May 3, 5:52 AM CST
Where: Hardin County, 3.65 mi NW of Village Mills
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 30.520, -94.440

A picture posted to social media indicated approximately quarter size hail.

Hail, Tyler

When: May 3, 5:55 AM CST
Where: Tyler County, 0.91 mi NW of Warren
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 30.610, -94.410

Multiple picture of golf ball size hail was posted to a local new channel social media.

Hail, Tyler

When: May 3, 5:58 AM CST
Where: Tyler County, 0.91 mi NW of Warren
Measured: 1.75 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 30.610, -94.410

Hail, Hardin

When: May 3, 6:30 AM CST
Where: Hardin County, Kountze
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 30.370, -94.320

Quarter size hail was reported near Village Mills in Kountze.

Thunderstorm Wind, Hardin

When: May 3, 6:37 AM CST
Where: Hardin County, Kountze
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $2,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 30.370, -94.320

A thunderstorm damaged carport covers behind City Hall.

Flash Flood, Jasper

When: May 3, 10:30 AM CST to 2:30 PM CST
Where: Jasper County, 4.33 mi NNW of Buna to 2.42 mi NE of Buna
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $5,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 30.485, -94.004

Four to 7 inches of rain fell on portions of Jasper county with Buna Elementary receiving 6.37 inches. Some streets were reported flooded including north and south bound US 96. A gas station in Buna was also flooded.

Thunderstorm Wind, Newton

When: May 3, 5:38 PM CST
Where: Newton County, 2.25 mi NW of Wiergate
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $4,000
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 31.040, -93.730

Trees were downed 255 and Highway 87.

Hail, Tyler

When: May 3, 6:45 PM CST
Where: Tyler County, 0.69 mi N of Spurger
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 30.690, -94.180

What these are

Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Texas in 2017 Every state in 2017 This day in weather history Warnings in Texas, May 2017

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 700965, 700967, 700968, 700969, 700973, 700963, 700975, 700970.