AUSTIN, Texas — The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the Austin area, ahead of the first rainfall in over 40 days or some areas of Central Texas.
Emily Heller, lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service, said, “Any rain is going to be beneficial for us,” but warned of potential flash flooding and severe weather. “It does look like a line of storms is going to move through for the Austin area,” Heller said, noting that heavy rain could lead to flooding with four to five inches expected in some areas.
In anticipation of the upcoming storms, Texas Governor Greg Abbott increased the readiness level of state operations.
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Kiley Moran from the Texas A&M Forest Service acknowledged the rain will temporarily reduce fire danger but emphasized the need for more sustained rainfall to make a significant impact.
“Since we are in a prolonged drought period, it’s going to require a significant amount of rain over an extended period of time to really make a difference in the fire conditions,” Moran said.
Despite the rain, burn bans remain in effect across central Texas. Moran advised, “Even though we are getting some rain and some moisture, just keep in mind that we are still under a burn ban.”
Moran says the winds that follow the cold front associated with the incoming rain, also pose a risk.
“It’s usually a drier wind too. And so that is going to pull the moisture out of the fuels that a fire has,” he said.
Moran says the best way for homeowners to play their part is to take on a “spring cleaning” approach around their house.
“So we’re getting out, we’re removing that leaf litter from around the home. As those leaves drop from our trees, get out there with the leaf blower or the rake and get those dead leaves away from your house,” he said.
Moran also adds that keeping the area around your home clutter-free is a big factor.
For those living in urban areas, should the rains produce flooding, Heller says, “if you’re in a flood prone area, move to higher ground, never drive through flooded roads, especially overnight, it’s really hard to tell, you know, how deep water is.”
Heller is urging everyone to stay informed and prepared for weather changes. One of the ways you can do that is by downloading the free CBS Austin Weather App in either the Apple or Google Play Store.