A Flood Watch is in effect for parts of West Central Texas beginning Wednesday evening, as a slow-moving storm system brings the possibility of heavy rainfall and flash floods until Thursday night. The alert ranges from southeast of Brownwood to Brady, Menard, Mason, Junction, and Sonora.
According to the National Weather Service in San Angelo, most areas in the Flood Watch area should expect 2 to 4 inches of rain, with the Hill Country and Heartland potentially receiving more than 6 inches. Forecast maps show a small corridor in Brownwood, Brady, and Mason where rainfall totals could reach 4-6 inches or more if thunderstorms continue to track over the same locations.
The strongest rainfall is forecast from late Wednesday night into Thursday afternoon, when saturated ground may cause rapid runoff near streams, rivers, and low-water crossings. Flash flooding remains a major threat, particularly in rural locations where drainage is restricted.
Heavy rain can create hazardous travel conditions. Drivers are advised to avoid low-lying roads, as water levels can swiftly rise. The National Weather Service says, “Turn around, don’t drown.”
While extensive river flooding is not expected, isolated flash flooding is likely in regions with the greatest rainfall totals. Thunderstorms may also produce sudden bursts of torrential rain that overwhelm drainage systems.
Conditions are expected to progressively improve late Thursday night as rainfall decreases throughout the region.
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