A storm system is expected to pass across much of Texas beginning Wednesday, bringing much-needed rainfall.
However, forecasters are cautioning that “significant” flooding may occur, especially south of the Interstate 10 corridor.
NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center has issued a Level 3 out of 4 danger for flash floods in South Texas due to forecast models that suggest 4 to 8 inches of rain might fall by Saturday.
Nearly a million Texans, from the coastal region of Corpus Christi westward to the Interstate 35 and Interstate 37 corridors, are under a flood watch.
The main statement from the Corpus Christi National Weather Service office was, “Numerous flash floods likely with significant events possible.”
From Houston, down the coast, to just north of Brownsville, Texas, where the most precipitation is predicted to fall, the increased flood threat extends southward.
Thunderstorms can bring hail, severe winds, and lightning, which can be equally dangerous and unexpected as the possibility of torrential rainfall.
The dryness in Texas is increasing the risk of flooding
Since last year, there has been a notable deficiency of rainfall in many sections of the region, including the Austin and San Antonio districts, leading to drought conditions that vary from exceptionally dry to exceptional.
San Antonio recorded a precipitation shortfall of about 4 inches, while Corpus Christi reported a deficit of roughly 2.75 inches.
The earth might not be able to absorb the rainwater fast enough due to the dry conditions, which could result in catastrophic flash flooding.
Even a few inches of rushing water can wash a car away and knock someone off their feet in locations that do flood.
Mandatory Evacuations Issued in Pickens, Greenville, and Transylvania Counties Due to Wildfires
After seeing people in inland towns like Austin and San Antiono navigating water of unknown depths, a Texas forecaster came up with the catchphrase “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” in 2003.
About 100 fatalities are linked to abrupt flooding events each year, making flash flooding one of the deadliest weather-related killers in the United States, according to the NWS.
This Information has been sourced from foxweather.
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