Urgent Warning Issued Amid Major Texas Floods: 'Move to Higher Ground Now'
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National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists have warned people in Central Texas to move to higher ground on Friday, with the risk of heavy rain causing life-threatening flash floods across the region.
As much as 15 inches (38 cm) of rain have been reported north of San Angelo, NWS meteorologist James Wingenroth told Newsweek. The official rainfall report for San Angelo is 3.52 inches, which is more than three times the average for the entire month of July.
Why It Matters
Parts of Central Texas received flood-related weather alerts on Friday morning, including flash flood warnings, flood warnings, flood watches and flood advisories.
The National Water Center warned several rivers would face serious flooding by Friday afternoon, including the Colorado River near San Saba, Texas; the Guadalupe River near Comfort, Texas; the Guadalupe River near Kerrville, Texas; and the Guadalupe River near Hunt, Texas.
A stock photo shows flooding in Texas.
A stock photo shows flooding in Texas.
irin717/Getty
"As the Guadalupe Flood continues through Kerrville, another flood is just ramping up," CBS Austin meteorologist Avery Tomasco posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday morning. "The SAN SABA river is now forecast to approach its highest level on record near Brady, TX. In the city of San Saba, the river is forecast to rise by more than 20 feet tomorrow morning."
What to Know
National Water Center forecasts anticipate Guadalupe River water levels will fall quickly after they peak late on Friday morning, but the Colorado River could remain flooded throughout the weekend.
On Friday morning, the NWS office in San Angelo issued a flash flood warning that included areas such as Mason, Menard, Hext, Saline, Long Mountain, Calf Creek, Streeter, Grit, Camp Air, Katemcy, Camp San Saba, Voca, Fredonia, Art, Fort Mckavett, Hedwigs Hill, US 190 near the Menard-Mcculloch County Line, Erna, the intersection of US 83 and Highway 29 and US 377 near the Kimble-Menard county line.
"Move to higher ground now," the warning said. "Act quickly to protect your life."
The warning urged people to not drive on flooded roads.
"In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain," it said. "Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route."
A Friday morning forecast from the NWS warned that "clusters of thunderstorms" would continue to bring heavy rain throughout the first part of the day across Central Texas. The excessive moisture is attributed to remnants of Tropical Storm Barry, which formed in the Gulf last weekend.
Four inches of rain have already fallen in the San Angelo area, with up to 2 additional inches expected.
What People Are Saying
NWS meteorologist James Wingenroth told Newsweek: "It's a very significant event. We've had to issue flash flood emergencies for San Angelo. A flash flood emergency is an even more heightened warning than a standard flash flood warning. There have been water rescues and flooding across the portions of San Angelo."
NWS San Angelo in a flash flood warning: "Life-threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles."
What Happens Next
Although river flooding could take time to recede, the NWS said the rain's intensity would drop by later on Friday.
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