NWS: Tropical disturbance could dump 6 inches on Houston, flash flood watch now in effect

Much of the Houston area can expect between 4 and 6 inches of rain as a tropical disturbance makes its way toward Southeast Texas, according to the National Weather Service.

Rain is expected to start Tuesday night and last until Thursday. The expected rainfall prompted NWS meteorologists to issue a blanket flash flood watch for all of Southeast Texas until Thursday morning.

The disturbance is currently disorganized, but it’s expected to move toward the northeastern coast of Mexico later Tuesday. Meteorologists say there’s a 50 percent chance it develops into a cyclone before before moving inland.

The disturbance is expected to produce heavy rain in southeast Texas and Louisiana through Thursday, regardless of its development, the weather service said. A flash flood watch will remain in effect from 1 a.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday.

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An Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft will investigate the system later today, if necessary.

The forecast shows a 70 percent chance for rain in Houston on Tuesday night, an 80 percent chance on Wednesday and a 70 percent chance on Thursday.

Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com | NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here.