Several areas of Texas are under surveillance for possible flooding during this Memorial Day weekend, amid a pattern of rain and storms that may complicate travel, outdoor activities and road trips.

The alert does not cover the entire state equally, but it does reach important areas of the center, south, southeast and Rio Grande Valley. The National Weather Service in Austin/San Antonio reported that a Flood Watch remains in effect for portions of the Hill Country, the I-35 corridor and the Coastal Plains from Friday night to Monday night. In that area, general accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected, with isolated sectors that could receive up to 6 inches during the monitoring period.

The main risk is flash flooding, especially in low-lying streets, stream crossings, areas with poor drainage and rural roads where water can rise quickly. The NWS also recalled the key recommendation for drivers: “Turn around, don't drown”, that is, turn around and do not try to cross flooded areas.

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Which areas of Texas are most at risk?

In south-central Texas, surveillance includes areas linked to the Hill Country, the I-35 corridor, San Antonio, Austin and sectors near the coastal plains. Local reports based on the NWS warn that some areas could receive between 2 and 4 inches of rain, with isolated maximums near 6 inches, especially where the ground is already saturated.

In the Houston area and southeast Texas, NWS Houston/Galveston maintains heavy rain advisories through the weekend. The weather office indicated that several rounds of rain and storms may cause minor flooding and river flooding to action or minor flood levels.

Local media in Houston report that the flood watch was expanded in southeast Texas, with forecasts of 2 to 4 inches of rain and isolated spots of up to 5 or 6 inches until Monday night. The combination of previous rains and saturated soils increases the risk of water accumulation in vulnerable areas.

There is also surveillance in the southern end of the state. The NWS Brownsville/Rio Grande Valley reported that a Flood Watch remains in effect for all of Deep South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley, due to recent rains and expected additional precipitation.

What does a Flood Watch mean?

A Flood Watch does not mean that there is already flooding in all the included areas, but rather that conditions are favorable for it to occur. If the NWS then issues a Flash Flood Warning, the risk is already immediate or occurring and urgent action must be taken.

For those who have to drive this weekend, the basic recommendations are to check the forecast before leaving, avoid low-lying roads, do not cross streets covered in water and follow official alerts from the NWS, local authorities and road closure maps.

Advice: don't be confident if the rain seems moderate. In many areas of the state, a few inches can be enough to flood streets, underpasses and residential driveways in a short time.