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By Joe Edwards

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Dozens of counties across southern and eastern Texas were on flood watch from the National Weather Service (NWS) on Friday, and the service urged residents in affected areas to avoid flooded roads.

Why It Matters

Flooding has been a leading weather-related cause of death in Texas, according to the National Safety Council.

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The NWS has shared the mantra, "Turn around, don't drown," stressing that most flood-related fatalities happen in vehicles.

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What To Know

As of Friday morning, flood watches, indicating that flooding was possible, but not guaranteed, were in place for the following counties across parts of south and east Texas:

• De Witt
• Karnes
• Lavaca
• Colorado
• Wharton
• Fort Bend
• Jackson
• Matagorda
• Brazoria
• La Salle
• McMullen
• Live Oak
• Bee
• Goliad
• Victoria
• Webb
• Duval
• Jim Wells
• Kleberg
• Nueces
• San Patricio
• Aransas
• Refugio
• Calhoun

Abundant Gulf moisture combined with a slow moving storm system would bring rounds of "scattered to numerous" showers and thunderstorms to many of the above areas, the NWS said.

It cautioned that heavy runoff could lead to flooding in rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying or flood-prone areas. Water levels in creeks and streams may overflow their banks, and flooding is also possible in urban zones and areas with poor drainage.

Moderate flooding was also forecast for the Aransas River near Skidmore, with the NWS issuing a flood warning that would be in effect until Sunday.

"Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads," urged the service.

"Most flood deaths occur in vehicles," it said.

What People Are Saying

The National Weather Service said in its flood watch: "The Weather Prediction Center is forecasting a Moderate Risk for flash flooding. The probability for numerous significant flash floods has increased. There is an increased danger to lives and property due to flash flooding."

NWS Corpus Christi said on X, on Thursday: "Large complex of showers and storms will continue moving across S TX overnight bringing the threat for heavy rainfall and gusty winds. Never drive in flooded roads!"

AccuWeather meteorologist Tyler Roys told Newsweek on Wednesday: "Any flooding that does happen could linger into the weekend, especially along any bigger rivers. The area facing the most rain will be south of I-10 in central Texas, along and south of San Antonio, north of Corpus Christi and including the cities of Victoria and Laredo."

What Happens Next

At the time of writing, the latest flood watches were in effect through Friday evening.

The flood warning for the Aransas River was in place until early Sunday morning.

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