Even when a system isn't forecast to be a major hurricane, tropical storms can still bring impactful hazards: Tropical Storm Bertha is not a hurricane but is expected to bring breezy conditions, storms, and heavier rain closer to the coast (and that this is a good time to review plans and refresh supplies).

1) Flash flooding from tropical rain Houston doesn't need a named hurricane to flood.

The key issue is rainfall rate-tropical bands can drop heavy rain quickly.