Flash flood watch issued for Highland Lakes

by Alexandria Randolph

UPDATE: Burnet County officials have confirmed the burn ban has been lifted as of Friday, Oct. 23. 

With storms looming on the horizon, the National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for Burnet, Llano and surrounding counties this weekend.

The statement, issued Thursday at 12:02 p.m., said a combination of “deep, low level moisture” from the gulf mixing with moisture from the Pacific and a surface cold front “will bring heavy rainfall to south central Texas.”

“Heavy rain will begin tonight (Thursday) and will continue through Sunday morning,” the statement read.

While meteorologists are uncertain where the heaviest rain may occur, it is estimated areas east of the Interstate 35 corridor have the best chance on Friday night and Saturday. Flash flooding could occur on Friday morning, the statement said, adding that Burnet was in the line of heavy rainfall.

“Rainfall totals for the event are expected to be four to eight inches with isolated amounts of 10 to 12 inches possible,” the statement read. “Slow moving, training storms could lead to two to three inches of rain in a short period of time in spots.”

Llano is line with potential severe thunderstorms on Friday, meteorologists said in a hazardous weather outlook issued Thursday at 12:48 p.m.

“Wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour and hail up to the size of quarters are possible,” the statement read.

Meteorologists said streams and creeks will rise quickly in high rainfall, and even lakes and rivers may see flash flooding.

“If you are in the watch area, plan now for what you will do if flash flooding develops. Stay informed and be ready to act if you see flooding or if a flash flood warning is issued,” the statement said.

Chance of rain will be high over the weekend, with an 80 percent chance Friday, and a 90 percent chance Saturday, and dropping down to a 30 percent chance on Sunday, with highs in the upper 70s. Rain is expected to dissipate Monday with partly cloudy high of 72 degrees.

“The Hill Country is prone to flash flooding and Burnet County has a number of low water crossings which can become flooded without warning,” Burnet County officials said in a release Friday morning. “Motorists should not drive through low water crossings that have become flooded. Swift moving water can be deceiving and it can be difficult to judge the depth or whether or not the road has become washed out. At night, this can be even more difficult. Motorists are urged to avoid crossing a flooded low water crossing. Remember to Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”

Burnet County Sheriff W.T. Smith said residents should "monitor the weather, rainfall, and driving conditions. Utilize social media, television, radio, and weather apps for current and changing weather conditions.”