Indoor Air Quality Alert: Gulf Coast Flooding

What is the location of the flooding?

As of June 16, 2026, flooding is impacting communities across the Gulf Coast, from eastern Mexico to Mississippi (1).

Additionally, Potential Tropical Cyclone One is centered approximately 65 miles southwest of Corpus Christi, Texas, near the Texas-Mexico border. The weather system is poised to possibly affect the Gulf Coast and Lower Mississippi Valley, including southern Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and potentially Alabama. Flooding could extend across the Gulf coastline, and inland areas may become saturated.

The Mexico's National Weather Service (SMN) forecasts intense rains in San Luis Potosí and Tamaulipas, with very strong precipitation expected in Chiapas, Nuevo León, and Oaxaca (2).

Potential Tropical Cyclone One could also develop into Tropical Storm Arthur, making it the first named tropical storm of the season (3).

Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?

There is flooding and a flood watch extending across all the Gulf coastal region and Texas Hill Country, impacting the following communities:

• Alexandria, Louisiana
• Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Beaumont, Texas
• Birmingham, Alabama
• Brownsville, Texas
• Corpus Christi, Texas
• Galveston, Texas
• Houston, Texas
• Jackson, Mississippi
• Lafayette, Louisiana
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
• Montgomery, Alabama
• New Orleans, Louisiana

What is the current status of the flooding?

Flooding across the Gulf region remains ongoing. Over 16 million people are under flood watches, with a Level 3 out of 4 flash flood threat active through Thursday (4). Emergency responders are conducting search operations, including for a driver swept away in Bandera County, Texas.

Persistent heavy rainfall at rates of 2-5 inches per hour, with accumulations potentially reaching 8-12 inches, continues to overwhelm drainage systems and cause rapid river rises.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

A tropical storm watch is in effect for coastal areas extending from Sargent, Texas to Fort Morgan, Alabama.

The National Weather Service has issued flood watches across southern Texas, Louisiana, and southern Mississippi, covering over 16 million residents (5). The National Hurricane Center warns of life-threatening flash, urban, and river flooding. Authorities strongly advise residents in affected areas to prepare for intense rainfall and potential evacuation due to the severe flood risk.

How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?

It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.

• Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
• Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
• If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
• Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
• Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
• Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
• Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
• Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
• If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.

Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.