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In Central Texas, the recent flooding has been devastating, with communities like Angelo reflecting the severe impact depicted in videos that show homes submerged in water. The situation remains critical, especially in Kerr County, where more watches and warnings were issued this morning. Live radar data indicates that storms have now shifted to Eastern Texas, but just a day prior, rainfall levels were alarming.
Over the past two weekends, the region has experienced an astonishing amount of precipitation, with reports indicating rainfall totals near the same as last week’s catastrophic flooding. Expert Matthew Capucci from MyRadar shared critical insights on the situation, explaining that the intense rainfall—amounting to an estimated 1.5 trillion gallons—has led to unprecedented spikes in river levels, particularly affecting areas like the Lampasas, San Saba, and Guadalupe Rivers.
In Kempner, located west of Killeen, residents noted an alarming 30-foot rise in water levels. The water flow through the Lampasas River increased massively, with rates high enough to fill Olympic-sized swimming pools every few seconds. The combination of recent rainfall and saturated soil left little room for more water, leading to overwhelming runoff and flooding.
Emergency responders have resumed their search efforts for individuals still reported missing in Kerr County, while the National Weather Service has issued continued flood watches. Although conditions are beginning to stabilize, meteorologists caution that the threat of further precipitation remains due to the unpredictable nature of storm systems.
The challenges posed by mesoscale weather features complicate forecasting, as these smaller systems can evolve rapidly and lead to sudden heavy rain events. As we approach the evening, meteorologists express cautious optimism but emphasize that the flood threat could resurface if atmospheric conditions align.
The ongoing situation is severe, with the potential for additional flooding complicating rescue efforts as crews navigate the debris left by rising waters. It’s imperative for residents to have emergency plans in place, especially given the frequency of extreme weather events in the region. As recovery efforts continue, the message is clear: preparation and quick action are vital to ensure safety in the face of such unpredictable and dangerous conditions.
