Storm Surge/Tide — Coastal Galveston, Texas

2020-09-21 to 2020-09-23 · Coastal Galveston, Texas

Event narrative

Widespread coastal flooding occurred across coastal Galveston County. Flooding was observed in San Leon, Bayou Vista, Clear Lake Shores, and Kemah. The Kemah Boardwalk was flooded. Numerous instances of street flooding and road closures were reported. Heavy rain from the storm resulted in bayou and creek flooding, including Clear Creek.

Wider weather episode

Tropical Storm Beta made landfall near Matagorda bay on September 21. As the system pushed slowly inland, portions of SE Texas experienced flash flooding from heavy rain bands, storm surge, and some strong wind gusts. Storm surge was enhanced by long fetch of northeast winds over Gulf behind a cold front. 20 to 25 homes were damaged from high water along portions of Clear Creek and Lower Brays Bayous.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 920224. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.