Flash Flood Warning for West Central Texas: Heavy Rain Continues to Soak Region 9/2

Photo byNational Weather Service

Excessive Rainfall Triggers Flood Advisories as Rivers Rise and Roads Flood

SAN ANGELO — Issued by the National Weather Service at 3:07 AM CDT on September 3, 2024.

West Central Texas remains under a significant flood threat as widespread showers and storms continue to dump heavy rain across the region, primarily south of Interstate 20. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect through this evening, with saturated soils and additional rainfall expected to exacerbate flooding concerns.

Heavy Rainfall Leads to Widespread Flooding

Counties affected by the Flood Advisory, in effect until 8:15 AM CDT, include Brown, Callahan, Coke, Coleman, Concho, McCulloch, Runnels, Taylor, and Tom Green. The National Weather Service reports that moderate to heavy rain, moving slowly across the region, is leading to minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Rainfall rates of 0.5 to 1 inch per hour are anticipated, adding an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain on top of already significant totals from the past 24 hours.

Flood-prone locations such as Brownwood, Coleman, Ballinger, Early, Winters, Santa Anna, Paint Rock, Bangs, Cross Plains, Miles, Blanket, Novice, Putnam, Valera, Glen Cove, Voss, Talpa, Silver Valley, Gouldbusk, and Leaday are at particular risk, including areas along Interstate 20 between Mile Markers 315 and 323. Multiple low-water crossings are already inundated, with more closures expected as conditions deteriorate.

Flood Watch Remains in Effect Through This Evening

The Flood Watch covers a broad swath of West Central Texas, including Nolan, Sterling, Coke, Runnels, Irion, Tom Green, Concho, Crockett, Schleicher, Sutton, Taylor, Callahan, Coleman, Brown, McCulloch, San Saba, Menard, Kimble, and Mason counties. With an additional 1 to 3 inches of rain possible, some areas have already recorded rainfall totals exceeding 7 inches, overwhelming local waterways and urban drainage systems. Residents are urged to monitor local forecasts and prepare for the possibility of more extensive flooding.

North Concho River Near Carlsbad Under Flood Warning

The North Concho River near Carlsbad is currently under a Flood Warning until early Wednesday morning. Minor flooding is forecasted, with the river expected to crest at 12.7 feet by tomorrow morning, before receding below flood stage by early afternoon. At this stage, minor lowland flooding will impact ranch lands, secondary roads, and low water crossings along the river.

Precautionary Measures and Safety Tips

Motorists are reminded to “Turn around, don’t drown” when encountering flooded roads. Most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles, often when drivers attempt to navigate flooded areas. It is also crucial to avoid driving around barricades and to remain especially cautious at night when the dangers of flooding can be harder to detect.

Hazardous Weather Changes Fast - Stay Updated

Weather Watches, Warnings & Advisories are frequently updated by NWS. Please look for updates to this report from the National Weather Service, or your local news channels and NOAA All Hazards. Please follow Thumbwind Publications for more local weather and news updates.