Texas Hill Country Braces for Another Flood Event

A powerful storm system brought heavy rainfall to Texas Hill Country over the weekend, prompting a flood watch to be issued for the region. The latest round of flooding comes just days after two previous flood watches were already in effect.

Background: A Weekend of Heavy Rainfall

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood warning on Saturday evening, as heavy rainfall began to pour down on the Texas Hill Country. The rain continued through Sunday morning, causing rapid rises in streams and rivers.

Flood Watch Issued for Monday

On Monday morning, the NWS extended the flood watch to include all of Hays, Kerr, Kimble, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Real, San Saba, Sutton, and Uvalde counties. This means that residents in these areas can expect flash flooding to be possible during the day.

Heavy Rainfall Totals

According to the NWS, the following rainfall totals were recorded over the weekend:

• Hays County: 4-6 inches of rain
• Kerr County: 3-5 inches of rain
• Kimble County: 2-4 inches of rain
• Mason County: 2-4 inches of rain
• McCulloch County: 1-3 inches of rain

Impact on the Region

The heavy rainfall has caused significant disruptions to daily life in the Texas Hill Country. Roads are becoming impassable, and residents are being advised to stay indoors until the floodwaters recede.

• Power Outages: Several power outages have been reported due to downed trees and flooded roads.
• Road Closures: The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has closed several roads in the area due to flooding, including US Highway 16 and FM Road 2327.
• Emergency Services: Local emergency services are on high alert, with personnel deployed to assist with flood rescues.

Flood Event Details

The latest flood event is expected to last throughout the day, with some areas potentially seeing sustained rainfall totals of over 6 inches. The NWS has issued a flood warning for all affected areas, advising residents to stay indoors and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

• Peak Rainfall Times: Heavy rainfall is expected to peak between 10am-2pm Monday, with continued showers throughout the afternoon.
• Rainfall Rates: Rainfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour are possible in some areas, leading to rapid rises in water levels.
• Flood Risk: The flood risk remains high, particularly for low-lying areas and those near major waterways.

Conclusion

The latest flood event in Texas Hill Country has raised concerns about the ongoing flood season. Residents in affected areas are advised to take necessary precautions to stay safe and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

• Stay Informed: Monitor local news and weather reports for updates on the flood situation.
• Follow Evacuation Orders: If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately and follow all instructions from local authorities.
• Be Prepared: Keep essential supplies, such as food, water, and first aid kits, on hand in case of an extended power outage.

Stay safe, and stay informed.