Harold Weakens to Tropical Depression, Causes Flash Flooding and Tornado Warnings in Texas
Harold, a tropical storm that made landfall in Texas, has weakened to a tropical depression as it continues to move through the state, triggering flash flooding and tornado warnings. The storm is now pushing towards Mexico.
Harold made landfall on Padre Island, Texas, just before 10 a.m. CT (11 a.m. ET) with sustained winds of 50 mph and gusts as high as 67 mph. This makes it the first storm to come ashore in the United States in the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season. However, the storm has since weakened, with sustained winds of 30 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
All tropical storm warnings along the Texas coast have been discontinued as the center of the storm moves about 15 miles east of Laredo, Texas, and continues to head into northern Mexico. Despite the weakening, heavy rain and strong winds are still expected to impact southern Texas and Mexico as Harold tracks westward.
The storm has already caused power outages for around 20,000 customers in Texas, according to poweroutage.us. Harold is projected to dump 3 to 5 inches of rain across South Texas on Tuesday and Wednesday, with locally higher amounts reaching up to 7 inches. Across Mexico, 4 to 6 inches of rain are expected, with the heaviest rain occurring in northern Mexico, where up to 10 inches is possible.
In addition to the heavy rain, southern Texas may also experience life-threatening surf and rip currents, as well as the possibility of tornadoes. The National Weather Service has already issued several tornado warnings in South Texas.
The arrival of Harold comes as Texas continues to face one of its hottest and driest summers on record. Corpus Christi, Texas, has already received more rain in just a few hours than it has for the entire summer, according to the National Weather Service. While the tropical system’s rains may provide some relief to the drought-stricken state, areas of extreme and exceptional drought in Central Texas may miss out on much of the rain.
Ahead of Harold’s arrival, Texas Governor Greg Abbott deployed the Texas National Guard and swift water rescue boat squads, among other emergency resources. Evacuations were ordered in certain areas, including the RV Park at Naval Air Station Kingsville, as well as voluntary evacuations in Riviera, Baffin Bay, and Loyola Beach.
In addition to Harold, another tropical storm named Franklin is expected to hit Hispaniola by Wednesday, bringing life-threatening flooding and mudslides. Puerto Rico will also experience heavy rainfall from the storm. Franklin currently has sustained winds of 50 mph and is located over the Caribbean Sea.
The Atlantic hurricane season is ramping up, with three tropical systems forming in just 24 hours over the weekend. Harold now marks the fourth storm in four days.
CNN Meteorologist Jennifer Gray, as well as CNN’s Amanda Jackson and Joe Sutton, contributed to this report.
What precautions should residents in southern Texas and Mexico take to protect themselves from the threat of flash flooding and tornadoes during tropical depressions like Harold
In southern Texas and Mexico, with isolated amounts up to 8 inches possible. This heavy rainfall has led to flash flooding and prompted numerous water rescues in affected areas.
In addition to the flash flooding, tornado warnings have been issued as the storm moves through Texas. The National Weather Service has reported several tornadoes on the ground in southern Texas, including a confirmed tornado in Webb County. Residents are urged to take shelter and remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions.
As Harold continues its westward track, the threat of flash flooding and tornadoes will gradually diminish. However, residents in southern Texas and Mexico should continue to closely monitor weather updates and follow any instructions or evacuation orders from local authorities.
This tropical depression serves as a reminder that even weakened storms can still pose significant threats. It is crucial for individuals and communities to have emergency plans in place and stay informed about weather conditions during hurricane season.
