NEWS
Storms poised to pummel Lone Star State
By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
Updated Apr. 3, 2020 2:00 AM Copied
A significant close-range tornado moved across US 431 and caused damage to power lines and structures in Eufaula, Alabama, on March 31.
Thunderstorms will threaten to bring severe weather as well as needed rainfall to portions of central and southern Texas before the end of the week.
The main threat of more widespread severe weather in Texas will come on Friday. As storms erupt during the afternoon hours over the north-central and northeastern counties as well as the Hill Country northwest of San Antonio, Texas, the main threats will be high wind gusts and large hail on Friday.
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“Winds, with gusts to near 60 mph in some cases, can be strong enough to cause localized property damage, knock down trees and trigger power outages,” Brett Anderson, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist said.
“Hail can become large enough to damage vehicles and break windows in the strongest storms,” Anderson added. The hail can be propelled by the strong winds in extreme cases.
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As with any severe thunderstorm, there is a remote chance of an isolated tornado, but an outbreak is not expected.
The storms forecast for the region on Friday can also bring beneficial rain to some communities, but also flash flooding to others. Rainfall will depend on the intensity, location and duration of thunderstorms that erupt and then move southward.
Soil conditions range from wet in north-central Texas to abnormally dry farther to the south and east, and extreme drought conditions are gripping the lower Rio Grande Valley.
Rainfall in Dallas has been plentiful, or nearly twice that of average during March. Meanwhile, rainfall in Brownsville, Texas, has only been 6% of normal for the month with a mere 0.07 of an inch.
The storms will tend to concentrate on the north-central part of the Lone Star State during the afternoon hours, but as the evening transitions into the nighttime, the storms will move toward the lower Rio Grande Valley and the South Texas coast, where they may weaken.
Downpours can flood streets and highways, as well as cause normally dry or gentle streams to become raging torrents for a brief time. Meteorologists advice motorists to avoid driving across flooded roadways or attempting to travel through low-water crossings when storms are in the vicinity or have recently moved by.
Showers, thunderstorms and perhaps localized severe weather will continue to pester central and southeastern Texas this weekend.
Additional heavy rainfall is likely as well as the risk of isolated flash flooding and damaging storms.
Rainfall from Friday through Sunday will average 2-4 inches with an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 7 inches. The heaviest rain is likely to focus from Interstate 35 on west to the Hill Country.
This means that communities that dodged big rain on Friday could be hit hard with flash flooding on Saturday.
NEWS
Gov. Abbott activates state emergency response resources ahead of severe storms, flash flood threat
AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of increased threats of severe weather and flash flooding in large areas of the state through the weekend.
“Texas is prepared to deploy all resources needed to support local communities in South and Southeast Texas as they prepare to respond to severe weather and flash flooding,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate rescue boats, hoist capable helicopters, search and rescue teams, and other resources to help local emergency officials respond to heavy rainfall and flash flooding. Texans are urged to monitor the weather, make an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
According to the National Weather Service, heavy rainfall with the potential to cause flash flooding is expected across South and Southeast Texas beginning today through the end of the week. Very hard, dry ground from prolonged drought will cause fast, excessive runoff that can lead to flash flooding concerns. Severe storms are also possible, with primary hazards of damaging winds and large hail expected across South Texas mid to late week. Texans are encouraged to monitor local forecasts over the next several days.
At the Governor’s direction, TDEM activated the following state emergency response resources to support local flood response operations:
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 3): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads, Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue Teams, Flood Water Boat Squads
- Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM): The State of Texas Incident Management Team to support deployed emergency response resources across the state
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with flood rescues
- Texas Department of Public Safety: Helicopters with hoist capabilities, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, and the Tactical Marine Unit
- Texas National Guard: Personnel and high-profile vehicles to assist stranded motorists
The following resources have been readied for activation to support local severe weather response operations if needed:
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents as well as AgriLife Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs
- Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions
- Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers
- Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring
- Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe Weather Support Packages consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles
The Texas State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at Level II (Escalated Response) to support requests for state assistance. Additionally, the Texas Emergency Management Council continues to monitor increased wildfire danger across West Texas.
Texans are encouraged to follow instructions from local officials, make an emergency plan, and prepare an emergency supply kit. Texans can access flood information at TexasFlood.org, check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, locate flood safety information at TexasReady.gov, and find general preparedness tips at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
Saint Jo Mayor Kelly Williamson and Police Chief Harvey Johnson will host an informal town hall meeting from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. on March 29 at The Grazing Grove Restaurant.
All residents are invited to attend to address questions and foster a better understanding of current matters affecting the community.
The Montague County Grand Jury issued 30 indicted cases of its March session last week with six of those sealed awaiting the arrest of a suspect.
The following cases were filed in the 97th District Court Clerk’s office as of March 24.
A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
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