Additional Coverage:
Central Texas Under Flood Watch
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flood watch for a large swathe of Central Texas on Saturday afternoon. The watch is in effect until 7 p.m. Sunday evening and covers a wide area, including the counties of Fisher, Nolan, Sterling, Coke, Runnels, Irion, Tom Green, Concho, Crockett, Schleicher, Sutton, Haskell, Throckmorton, Jones, Shackelford, Taylor, Callahan, Coleman, Brown, McCulloch, San Saba, Menard, Kimble, and Mason.
The NWS warns that heavy rainfall could lead to flooding in rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying areas. Residents are urged to monitor weather forecasts, be alert for potential Flood Warnings, and be prepared to take action if flooding develops.
Understanding Flood Alerts
The NWS issues several types of flood-related alerts:
- Flood Watch: Conditions are favorable for flooding. Be prepared.
- Flood Advisory: Flooding is not expected to be serious but could cause inconvenience and pose a threat if precautions aren’t taken. Be aware.
- Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or is imminent. Take action.
- Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring or is about to occur. Take action immediately.
Seek higher ground.
Flood Safety Tips from the NWS
- Move to higher ground immediately if in a flood-prone area.
- Obey evacuation orders from local authorities.
Secure your home before leaving.
- Unplug utilities and appliances if possible.
- Avoid flooded areas, especially basements with electrical outlets.
- Evacuate immediately if you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds near water.
- Never walk or drive through floodwaters. Even six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and just 12 inches of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles.
- If trapped by moving water, seek the highest point and call 911.
Driving Safely in Heavy Rain
- Avoid parking or walking near culverts and drainage ditches.
- Increase following distance to four seconds in heavy rain.
- Reduce speed and avoid sudden braking.
- Drive in the middle lanes to avoid accumulated water.
- Turn on headlights.
- Be extra cautious during the first half hour of rainfall as roads can be especially slick.
- Maintain a safe distance from large trucks and buses.
Stay safe and informed during this period of potential flooding.