Relentless heavy rain has been pounding parts of Texas and Louisiana this spring, causing major flooding in some areas. Rivers like the Trinity River are still in major flood stage from constant storm systems, and some areas have already received over 500% of their monthly average rainfall in just two weeks. Parts of northern and eastern Texas, including Dallas, are experiencing one of the wettest starts to the year on record. With more rain forecasted, the saturated ground and swollen rivers are creating a recipe for a flood disaster, with nowhere for the water to go.
As of Thursday morning, 17 million people were under flood watches in areas stretching from northern Texas to central Mississippi. Major metro areas like Dallas, Houston, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and Jackson are included in the flood watch. Forecasters are warning of a high risk for flash flooding in parts of eastern Texas and western Louisiana, where rainfall rates could exceed 3 inches per hour, leading to significant and potentially life-threatening flash flooding. Communities within the high risk area include Huntsville, Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Jasper in Texas, and Fort Johnson in Louisiana.
High risk flash flooding means there is a 70% chance of rainfall amounts exceeding flash flooding guidance within a 25-mile radius. These high risk events are rare and historically account for a significant amount of flood-related fatalities and damages. The Weather Prediction Center has issued this high risk alert for certain areas, urging residents to take necessary precautions. As the storm system moves east, parts of Mississippi and Alabama are also at risk for flash flooding, with widespread rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches expected, and locally higher amounts of up to 12 inches possible by Saturday.
In addition to the flooding concerns, severe storms are also expected in much of Texas, with a potential for very large hail, wind gusts up to 60 mph, and a few tornadoes. This severe weather threat extends from western Texas to western Louisiana, impacting cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Lake Charles. On Friday, severe storms will move across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the western Florida Panhandle, bringing the risk of all storm hazards to these areas. With 9 million people at risk, residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during these severe weather events.
