Most of the rain is forecast to fall in as little as 3-6 hours. A small chance of heavier rain and flooding could pose "an elevated threat to life and cause significant disruptions to transportation, flood underground infrastructure and basements and first floors of residences and businesses," with water rescues needed, the weather service said.

Strong rain storms lashed the U.S. East Coast Thursday, delaying flights and prompting emergency rescues of motorists trapped in deep water on busy highways from the Philadelphia area to New York City.

Watch KHOU 11 meteorologist Chris Ramirez's Houston-area forecast.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms canceled or delayed hundreds of flights in New York and the surrounding area Thursday