Flash flood watch, hazardous weather outlook issued
The Highland Lakes can expect more rain this week and potentially severe weather, as the National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch and hazardous weather outlook Monday morning.
The National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio issued a flash flood watch on Monday, April 18 at 4:44 a.m. lasting until early Tuesday morning for Burnet, Llano, Williamson, Travis, Blanco and surrounding counties.
“Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms with moderate to heavy rainfall are expected today through early Tuesday. This will likely lead to areas of flash flooding and river flooding across south central Texas,” the watch stated. “Pockets of three to 11 inches have already occurred since late saturday night.”
NWS forecasts show an 80 percent chance of thunderstorms Monday, dropping slightly to a 70 percent chance of heavy rain Monday night. Tuesday will see a 70 percent chance of heavy rain, mainly before 8 a.m., dropping to a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon.
NWS officials stated that an additional one to three inches of rainfall is expected, with isolated pockets of four to six inches.
“It is not impossible for locations to receive rainfall totals since Sunday of up to 15 inches. Impacts will be greater in the areas that have already received heavy rains mainly east of US 281 and north
of I-10,” the watch read.
NWS also issued a hazardous weather outlook half an hour later at 5:15 a.m. on Monday morning.
“In addition to the threat of heavy rainfall there is a slight risk for severe thunderstorms. Large hail and damaging wind gusts are the main severe weather threats,” the outlook read. “The storm complex resulting in heavy rains will linger into Tuesday morning. Any additional heavy rainfall will lead to rapid flash flooding or worsen any ongoing flooding that may develop today (Monday).”
The Highlander would like to advise that area residents be mindful of the weather and Turn Around, Don't Drown. Check here for more updates as they are available.
