Hurricane-Fueled Storms Threaten Millions With Life-Threatening Floods
Eight states are under Flood Watch as heavy rainfall from Pacific storms could cause as much as eight inches of rain in some areas.
More than 80 million Americans from Texas to Illinois are facing a dangerous flood threat as hurricane-fueled storms deliver torrential rain across the central United States. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Flood Watches for eight states: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, and Colorado.
Forecasters warn that these storms could overwhelm drainage systems, flood roads, and cause rivers and creeks to overflow their banks. Major Texas cities, including Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, are identified as being in the highest risk zone for flash flooding on Thursday. In south-central Texas, isolated areas could receive up to eight inches of rain, with the NWS cautioning of "life-threatening flooding."
The flood watches are expected to remain in effect through Friday evening. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to take action if flooding occurs.
The widespread flooding threat is being amplified by a deep bend in the jet stream drawing moisture inland from Hurricane Rachel in the Pacific Ocean. This weather pattern also brought drenching rains to parts of Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and central Texas from Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
According to FOX Weather, nearly 70 trillion gallons of water could fall by the end of the week, an amount potentially sufficient to fill over 122 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. More than 150 million people across the Southwest, Plains, and Midwest could experience dangerous flash flooding as the threat persists throughout the week.
In west-central Texas, the NWS has warned of an "increased danger to lives and property due to flash flooding," with conditions likely to become considerable. Watches are scheduled to end late Thursday night in west-central Texas, Friday morning around Dallas and Fort Worth, and Friday evening in areas including Austin, San Antonio, and parts of South Texas.
In Oklahoma, communities like Ardmore, Shawnee, and Durant are under a watch until 1 p.m. CT Thursday, with the potential for an additional one to three inches of rain. Parts of Kansas and Nebraska have already experienced rainfall totals of two to six inches or more.
Rising rivers and continued downpours pose a further flood risk across Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois, with some river watches extending into Saturday. Southern Colorado is under a watch until noon MT Thursday, which includes the Aspen Acres burn area.
Officials are cautioning that rivers may continue to rise even after the rain subsides and are urging residents in affected areas to stay informed. The NWS has specifically warned that runoff could render low-water crossings on the Devils, West Nueces, and South Llano rivers impassable for extended periods. Downstream communities could be threatened by rapid rises, and campers and hikers are advised to avoid streams and creeks. Drivers are reminded that most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles and are urged to turn around rather than attempt to cross flooded roadways.