This weekend, the region was placed under an areal flood warning following what the National Weather Service called a prolonged period of constant rain. For areas of Texoma, the rain was fast and came with thunderstorms, but for others it was minimal and not constant.
However, an areal warning is not as prevalent as a flash or flood warning.
“An Areal Flood Warning is normally issued for flooding that develops more gradually, usually from prolonged and persistent moderate to heavy rainfall,” NWS says. “This results in a gradual ponding or buildup of water in low-lying, flood prone areas, as well as small creeks and streams. The flooding normally occurs more than six hours after the rainfall begins and may cover a large area. However, even though this type of flooding develops more slowly than flash flooding, it can still be a threat to life and property.”
Information provided by the Grayson County Office of Emergency Management this weekend said the flood advisory for Grayson County was from 5:12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and the impacts included minor flooding in low lying and poor drainage areas.
Additional information in the advisory said, “Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are forecast.
When a watch issued, start planning how they are going to deal with hazardous weather should it arise.
This might mean moving those outdoor plans indoors or it might mean planning a route to safety in an outdoor venue.
At home, it could mean plugging in electronics to charge in case there is a power outage and making sure flashlights and other devices have batteries and are easily accessible.
It is not a time to worry, but a time to plan.
A warning means severe weather is imminent and you need to take cover now.
This is not the time to be rounding up supplies. It is the time to find safe shelter until the storm passes.
In case of flooding, the Texas Department of Transportation has some safety tips for those who may need to travel during the period.
“If you encounter a flooded road, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” TxDOT says.
· Never walk, swim, or drive through still or moving flood waters. The water may be hiding dangers such as debris, tree branches, power lines, or damage to the road. As little as six inches of fast-moving water can cause motorists to lose control of their vehicle, even a pickup truck or SUV.
· Stay informed about weather conditions when you are driving.
· Be especially careful driving at night when it can be harder to see flood dangers.
· If your vehicle stalls in deep water, leave it and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
Here’s the law
· Never drive around barriers blocking low water crossings or flooded roadways. Penalties include a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail.
· Tampering with roadway warning signs or barriers is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to two years in jail, or both.
