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As of Monday morning, Tropical Storm Beta has picked up speed and is now moving west at 6 mph with 50 mph sustained winds.
Rain bands are hitting southeast Texas and moving into Central Texas. Coverage is becoming more widespread as the day continues.
Beta is expected to be a big rainmaker for many across the Lone Star State this weekend through mid-next week. This slow moving storm will continue moving west until landfall then expected to take a northeasterly turn by Tuesday.
Key messages from National Hurricane Center
- The expected slow motion of Beta has the potential to produce a long duration rainfall event along the western Gulf Coast. The potentially prolonged period of rainfall could cause flash, urban and river flooding, especially in coastal areas where tide levels are above normal.
- There is the danger of life-threatening storm surge near times of high tide from Sunday through Tuesday along portions of the Teas coast within the storm surge warning areas. Residents in these areas should follow advice given by local officials.
- Tropical storm force winds are expected to begin along portions of the northwestern Gulf Coast by Sunday night within the tropical storm warning area, with hurricane-force winds possible along portions of the Texas coast late Monday and Monday night, where tropical storm watch is in effect.
Tropical storm warnings, along with tropical storm watches and storm surge watches, have been issued from Port Mansfield to High Island. Significant coastal flooding may produce significant damage to beaches and dunes.
Given Beta's slow movement, this system will likely produce heavy rainfall and flooding all along the Texas coast and into Louisiana through next week.
The GFS computer model shows that many areas could pick up well over half a foot of rain with this system.
Central Texas rainfall totals could amount up to four inches within the next seven days with the highest rainfall expected east of Austin.
This forecast is a complicated one and one that you should stay on top of for any major changes that could occur.
Stay tuned for the latest updates from the KVUE Storm team. For live weather alerts, download the KVUE app at kvue.com/app.