North Texas is bracing for a potentially dangerous multi-day flooding event after more than three months of little to no measurable rainfall. Heavy rain is expected to sweep across much of the state beginning late Wednesday through Thursday threatening flash flooding along the Interstate 35 corridor and across North and Central Texas.
Governor Greg Abbott has activated the Texas Division of Emergency Management and positioned more than 1,900 emergency responders and over 1,500 pieces of equipment across the state. Resources include Texas National Guard units, swiftwater rescue boat teams and high-water rescue vehicles from Texas A&M Task Force 1.
“We want to make sure that our fellow Texans know about the volume of rain that is about to hit their region” Abbott said. “We want to save lives.”
The flooding threat is compounded by the prolonged drought conditions that have left the ground hardened and less capable of absorbing large amounts of rainfall quickly. Texas A&M assistant state climatologist William Baule warned that if rainfall intensity outpaces what the soil can absorb runoff and flooding in low-lying areas and near stream crossings becomes a serious concern.
In Fort Worth demand for sandbags overwhelmed city crews on Wednesday morning. Lines of vehicles stretched nearly half a mile at free distribution sites before supplies ran out by 9:30 a.m. City officials described the turnout as unprecedented compared to previous storm preparations.
Fort Worth resident Juanita Mendoza said she rushed to get sandbags after her basement flooded during a storm in April. She was able to secure bags just as supplies were exhausted.
Arlington public works crews have been clearing storm drains culverts and low-lying areas ahead of the storm while staging high-water barricades near historically flood-prone locations. Dallas officials are urging residents to sign up for DALLASALERT emergency notifications by texting DALLAS to 67283.
Dallas Water Utilities is deploying staff on rotating 12-hour shifts and monitoring more than 80 rain gauges across the city. Officials noted that areas including Northwest Dallas old East Dallas downtown and the Turtle Creek corridor have historically been vulnerable to flooding during heavy rain events.
Despite the dangers many North Texans say the region desperately needs the rain after a brutal summer of heat and drought. Euless resident Tony Tennant described watching trees struggle and lawns turn brown through months of dry conditions. Prem Koirala of Euless said he welcomed the rain but expressed concern about foundation damage from the expanding cracks already visible in the dry soil around his home.