Tropical Storm Harold makes landfall along the Texas coast

Updated: Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 5:45 pm:

A line of storms is approaching north of San Antonio and New Braunfels producing cloud-to-ground lightning and is expected to bring additional heavy rain and gusty winds over 40 mph, the National Weather Service reported.

Updated: Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 3:34 pm:

A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for northern parts of Bexar County, including Universal City, Converse and Timberwood Park, until 4 p.m. Tuesday, August 22, according to the National Weather Service.

Updated: Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 11:15 am:

Tropical Storm Harold reportedly made landfall around 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 22, as it entered Padre Island. The storm came at about 50 mph. However, there are signs that the storm is weakening and Harold is expected to downgrade to a tropical depression later Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

The storm continued inland around 10:45 a.m. into Corpus Christi and surrounding areas along the Texas coast, bringing heavy rain to the area, according to the NWS.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reported that Harold could produce flash flooding in affected areas and reminded residents to monitor potential flood watches and warnings.

The Weather Channel has someone on the ground in Corpus Christi. They reported high water levels and high winds.

Meanwhile, Harold is producing strong winds on North Padre Island as the storm continues to move toward coastal beaches.

One person reported that high winds on Padre Island caused electricity to flash.

Other footage from North Padre Island shows strong winds and rain.

While San Antonio and surrounding areas are still out of the direct path of the storm, the Alamo City may feel some of the effects of Tropical Storm Harold. There is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, followed by a possible chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon with a 70% chance of rain. The storms could bring colder temperatures into the upper 80s with wind gusts up to 35 mph, according to the NWS area forecast.

The chance of rain with thunderstorms possible will continue into the evening with a 40% chance of rain. Wind speeds could reach 30 mph but will likely drop to 20 mph after midnight. Wednesday morning, August 23, also holds the potential for some showers and thunderstorms with a 40% chance of rain. However, warmer temperatures are expected to return with highs in the upper 90s and a heat index reading reaching 107 degrees, according to the area forecast.

In addition to the rain and thunderstorms, south and southwest San Antonio have been placed under a wind warning. The San Antonio metropolitan area along with parts of the Southern Hill Country and Rio Grande Plains are under Level 1 out of 5 isolated tornado risk. Overall, the San Antonio area could receive up to a quarter of an inch of rain, according to the status report.

Areas of South Central Texas that do not expect rain should be on the lookout for other severe weather risks. Parts of the Hill Country and the Austin metropolitan area were placed under a red flag warning from 1 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. With the region experiencing so much dry heat, there is an increased risk of fires, according to an NWS situation report.