Tropical Storm warning issued for parts of RGV; Flash Flood Watch issued too

A Tropical Storm warning remains in effect for parts of the Rio Grande Valley, the National Weather Service is reporting.

The areas in the warning include Coastal Cameron, Coastal Willacy, Inland Willacy, and Northern Hidalgo counties.

A Flash Flood Watch has also been issued for the entire Valley effective Saturday morning through Sunday evening.

Tropical Storm Hanna is located about 300 miles east of South Padre Island or our about 310 miles east of Port Mansfield. Winds are 40 mph and Hanna is moving west-northwest at 9 mph.

The NWS reports Hanna is expected to gradually strengthen and continue to move west-northwest until the storm makes landfall on Saturday along the lower to middle Texas coast.

Heavy rainfall along with dangerous flash flooding remains the primary impact with rainfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches. Locally more than 12 inches is expected, the NWS reported.

Low-lying and poorly draining areas as well as urban locations will experience flooding. Heavy rainfall in a short period of time will cause creeks and arroyos to overflow. Driving will be difficult, and motorists are encouraged to find alternative routes if flooded roadways are encountered.

Coastal flooding is also a concern with 2 feet of inundation possible.

There’s a 50% chance of heavy rain today, a 70% chance of heavy rain tonight and a 80% chance of heavy rain and breezy on Saturday.

There’s a 60% chance of heavy rain on Saturday night and on Sunday. There’s a 60% chance of thunderstorms on Monday.