lash Flood Threat Grows Across Texas Hill Country and South-Central U.S.

Repeated rounds of heavy rain paired with thunderstorm activity are raising the risk of flash flooding across Texas Hill Country and the rest of the south-central U.S. through the weekend. Here is the latest forecast detailing when and where the heaviest bands of rain are expected to set up through the rest of the week.

Gulf Moisture Fuels Growing Flash Flood Threat Across the South-Central U.S.

Moisture from the Gulf is streaming to the north and into the western Mississippi Valley and the Plains states. This moisture is coming up as a flow around a zone of high-pressure strengthens as the week progresses. The result will be an elevated threat of flash flooding across a large swath of the south-central U.S.

The latest forecast models predict widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 4 inches from Texas to Oklahoma in the coming days. Although this degree of precipitation spread out over the course of several days is not inherently troublesome, forecasters are warning that some areas could pick up several inches of rain in a period of just a few hours. This is where the threat of flash flooding will be the highest.

Residents in the potential impact zone are being urged to enable smartphone weather alerts. It is also important to remember to be extra vigilant if you live near a small stream or unprotected river. As the tragedy in Texas Hill Country last summer proved, waters can rise dangerously high in just a few minutes. Over 100 people were killed when water levels climbed two to three feet in an hour under the cover of darkness.

The heaviest bands of rain are forecast to set up across eastern New Mexico and the High Plains of West Texas through Wednesday. Cities such as Roswell, Odessa, Amarillo, and Lubbock should be prepared for disruptions to outdoor activities.