Houston Weather Alert: Edouard Landfall East of High Island Tuesday

Tropical Storm Edouard Texas Landfall: Track, Warnings, Rainfall and Safety Guide 2026

Edouard to hit east of High Island Tuesday as 60 mph storm with 4-8" rain for Houston.

Title: Tropical Storm Edouard Texas Landfall: Track, Warnings, Rainfall and Safety Guide 2026

Search Description: Tropical Storm Edouard to make landfall east of High Island Texas as 60 mph storm with hurricane watch and heavy rain forecast.

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Tags: Tropical Storm Edouard, Texas hurricane watch, High Island landfall, Bolivar Peninsula storm, storm surge warning, Houston heavy rain forecast, flash flooding Texas

Image Alt Text: Tropical Storm Edouard satellite map approaching High Island Texas coast

Introduction

Tropical Storm Edouard is expected to make landfall east of High Island Tuesday afternoon as a 60 mph tropical storm, bringing strong winds, dangerous storm surge, and extremely heavy rainfall to parts of southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. While there is a low but not zero chance it becomes a category one hurricane before landfall, the main threat from Edouard will be flooding rain and coastal inundation.

Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect from the Bolivar Peninsula eastward, and a Hurricane Watch and a Storm Surge Warning have been issued east of High Island. In addition to the strong winds that will occur along its path east of Houston, extremely heavy rain will fall. The highest totals will be to the east, southeast, and north of Houston. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Edouard's track, intensity, warnings, rainfall totals, and safety precautions especially for Tuesday afternoon, evening, night, and into Wednesday.

What is Tropical Storm Edouard?

Tropical Storm Edouard formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Monday evening, September 1, 2026, after being classified as Tropical Depression Five earlier that day. According to the National Hurricane Center, the system became better organized after Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft found a well-defined low-level circulation. Edouard is the fifth named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, following Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, and Dolly.

As of early Tuesday, Edouard was located about 140 miles southeast of Cameron, Louisiana, and about 175 miles southeast of Port Arthur, Texas, moving west-northwest at around 6 to 7 mph. Maximum sustained winds were 40 mph at formation, but the storm is forecast to strengthen to near 60 mph by landfall. Because Edouard is a small tropical storm, its intensity can change quickly, which is why a Hurricane Watch was issued even though it is currently below hurricane strength.

Edouard Track and Landfall Forecast

The official National Hurricane Center forecast calls for Edouard to continue moving west-northwest then turning more northwest before making landfall later Tuesday near the Texas-Louisiana border. The most likely landfall zone is east of High Island, Texas, close to Sabine Pass and Port Arthur.

On this track, Edouard should make landfall Tuesday afternoon and then push inland over eastern Texas by Tuesday night. After landfall, rapid weakening is expected as the storm moves over land. The system is expected to weaken over eastern Texas on September 2 and dissipate by September 3. As is always the case with small Gulf systems, we need to keep a close eye on the system in case it produces stronger winds or higher rainfall totals than currently forecast.

Current Watches and Warnings

Understanding the difference between warnings is critical for safety. Here are the alerts currently in effect for Edouard.

Tropical Storm Warning

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from Port Bolivar, also known as Bolivar Peninsula, Texas, to the Vermilion-Iberia Parish Line in Louisiana. This means tropical storm conditions with sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph are expected within the warning area, starting Tuesday morning. Preparations may become difficult or dangerous as conditions deteriorate.

Hurricane Watch

A Hurricane Watch has been issued from High Island, Texas, to Cameron, Louisiana. A Hurricane Watch means hurricane conditions with sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are possible within the watch area within 24 hours. There is a low but not zero chance Edouard becomes a category one hurricane, which is why this watch was issued east of High Island.

Storm Surge Warning

A Storm Surge Warning has been issued from High Island, Texas, to the Vermilion-Cameron Parish Line in Louisiana. Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm above the predicted astronomical tides. The combination of storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters. Water could rise 2 to 4 feet above normally dry ground, with some forecasts calling for 3 to 5 feet if peak surge occurs at high tide. From the Vermilion-Cameron line to Morgan City, Louisiana, 1 to 3 feet of inundation is expected.

Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding Threat

While wind is a concern, extremely heavy rain will be the most widespread and dangerous impact from Tropical Storm Edouard. The National Hurricane Center has emphasized that heavy rain and flooding are expected to be among Edouard's greatest threats.

The highest rainfall totals will be to the east, southeast, and north of Houston, directly along and to the right of the storm's path. In this zone, 4 to 8 inches of rain with some higher isolated totals are expected. The official National Hurricane Center forecast calls for 3 to 6 inches along the upper Texas coast and into east-central Texas, with maximum isolated totals up to 9 inches. Far southwestern Louisiana could receive 2 to 3 inches.

Some significant flash flooding is possible during Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday. Urban and low-lying areas are most at risk. Some rivers could also experience flooding. Areas west and southwest of downtown Houston, including Missouri City, Sugar Land, Katy, and Richmond, may only receive less than an inch of rain if the current track holds. However, even a small westward wobble in the track could bring much higher totals to the Houston metro area.

Wind Impacts East of Houston

In addition to the strong winds that will occur along its path east of Houston, tropical storm force winds will extend outward up to 25 to 35 miles from the center. Gusts potentially reaching 70 mph are possible near the landfall point. Wind gusts over 75 mph are possible within a few hours of landfall if the storm briefly reaches hurricane strength.

These winds could cause isolated power outages, downed tree limbs, and minor structural damage, particularly in coastal communities on the Bolivar Peninsula, High Island, Sabine Pass, Port Arthur, and Cameron. Further inland, winds will weaken quickly, but gusty conditions will still be possible in eastern Harris County, Liberty County, and Chambers County.

Driving and Travel Impacts

Driving towards and after sunset Tuesday may become very difficult along the path of the storm. Heavy rainfall will reduce visibility to near zero at times, and water-covered roads will make driving dangerous. Tropical storm conditions are expected to reach the coast Tuesday morning, so conditions will deteriorate throughout the day.

The Wednesday morning commute may be very difficult for some, especially for commuters traveling from the east side of Houston, Baytown, Channelview, and Beaumont-Port Arthur corridor into Houston. Flooded underpasses, bayou flooding, and debris on roads are possible. If you have travel plans, especially flights out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport, expect potential delays on Tuesday and Wednesday as rain bands move through.

Officials also note that refineries and LNG plants along the upper Texas coast, including facilities in Port Arthur, Freeport, and Sabine Pass, are preparing for the storm, which could impact operations.

How to Stay Safe During Tropical Storm Edouard

Safety should be your top priority. Here are essential safety tips to follow from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday.

• Stay Informed: Keep a close eye on the system through the National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service Houston, and local news. Have multiple ways to receive warnings.
• Avoid Driving Through Flood Water: Turn around, don't drown. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 12 inches can carry your car away. Never drive around barricades.
• Secure Loose Objects: Bring in patio furniture, trash cans, and anything that can be blown around by strong winds.
• Prepare for Power Outages: Charge your phones, have flashlights and batteries ready, especially if you live east of Houston where winds will be strongest.
• Check on Storm Surge: If you live in a low-lying coastal area under a Storm Surge Warning east of High Island, follow evacuation orders from local officials.
• Protect Important Documents: Keep insurance and medical documents in a waterproof container on a high shelf.

Conclusion

Tropical Storm Edouard is a serious weather system that requires close attention despite its relatively modest wind speeds. With landfall expected east of High Island Tuesday afternoon as a 60 mph tropical storm, a Hurricane Watch in effect, and extremely heavy rain forecast, the potential for significant flash flooding is high to the east, southeast, and north of Houston.

Areas west and southwest of downtown may see less than an inch, but weather can change rapidly. Driving will be very difficult Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning along the storm's path. The most important advice is to be very aware of the weather especially Tuesday afternoon, evening, night, and even into Wednesday. Continue monitoring official forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel in heavy rain, and take precautions now before conditions worsen. Stay safe and keep your family informed.