Texas – Floods Prompt Disaster Declarations, 330mm of Rain Falls in 48 Hours

Severe flooding in Central and South Texas has prompted Texas Governor Greg Abbott to declare a state of disaster in 18 counties.

Some areas recorded more than 13 inches (330.2mm) of rain in 48 hours to 16 October, causing river levels to jump dramatically. The Llano River at Llano rose by around 35 feet in just 24 hours to reach near-record levels.

“Texas is taking immediate action to respond to the threat of recent severe weather and flooding across the state,” said Governor Abbott. “We have made available all necessary resources to respond as quickly and effectively as possible to this disaster, and to assist those in harm’s way. I thank all our first responders and local officials on the ground in these communities for their efforts to assist fellow Texans during this dangerous event.”

Counties included in the disaster declaration are: Bastrop, Burnet, Colorado, Fayette, Hood, Jim Wells, Kerr, Kimble, La Salle, Live Oak, Llano, Mason, McMullen, Nueces, Real, San Patricio, Travis, and Williamson.

Evacuations have been carried out in several areas including Kingsland, Marble Falls, Cottonwood Shores and the City of Burnet. Raging floodwaters have destroyed a bridge over the Llano river in Kingsland, Central Texas.

Fatalities

Local media reported that a body was found on Tuesday 16 October near the eastern shore of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson in Burnet County. The lake is situated where the Llano and Colorado rivers meet.

At least 4 people have now died in flooding in Texas over the last week. Four people were washed away last week when the South Llano River, which becomes the Llano River downstream, overran an recreational vehicle park in Junction, Texas. As of 16 October, 3 bodies had been recovered.

Rain and Rivers

NWS Austin / San Antonio said the flooding of the Llano River at Llano is the result of 8-10 inches of rain in the 48 hours over the river basin. Valley Spring in Llano County recorded 13.24 inches in 48 hours to 16 October.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said that, as of early 16 October, 38 USGS streamgages were above flood levels, as water continued to rise at 172 gauges throughout Texas.

The Llano river at Llano rose around 35 feet (10.67 m) in just 24 hours, reaching 39.91 feet early on 16 October. This is the highest level since the floods of 1935 when the Llano reached 41.5 feet (12.64m). Major flood stage is 26 feet (7.92 m).

The Colorado River at Lake Travis reached 694.4 feet (211.65 m) on 17 October, just below major flood stage of 695 feet, prompting a Flash Flood Warning for the Lake Travis area.

Llano River at Llano, Texas, October 2018. Image; NWS
Colorado River at Lake Travis, October 2018. Image: NWS

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Flood Summary

Last updated: October 17, 2018
Event
Texas, USA, October 2018
Date
October 7, 2018
Type
Flash flood, River flood
Cause
Extreme rainfall, Long-term rainfall
Heavy rain between 07 and 09 October caused flooding in western areas of Texas. Local media reported that 4 people are missing after the South Llano River broke its banks in the city of Junction, situated about 140 miles (225 kilometers) west of Austin.
Further heavy rain from 14 October caused further flooding. The Lano river broke its banks in Llano and Kingsland. One person reportedly died in flood water near the eastern shore of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson in Burnet County.

Locations

A - Junction
B - Kingsland
C - Llano
D - Marble Falls
E - Cottonwood Shores
F - City of Burnet
G - Lake Travis
H - Lake Lyndon B. Johnson

Magnitude

River level
9.51 metres
Llano River near Junction - October 8 to October 8, 2018
Llano River near Junction reached 31.2 feet on 08 October, above the 31 feet major flood stage.
River level
7.39 metres
Llano River at Llano - October 8 to October 8, 2018
The Llano River at Llano reached 24.26 feet on 08 October, its 5th highest ever level and above major flood stage of 23 feet.
River level
12.16 metres
Llano River at Llano - October 16 to October 16, 2018
The Llano river at Llano rose around 35 feet (10.67 m) in just 24 hours, reaching 39.91 feet early on 16 October. This is the highest level since the floods of 1935 when the Llano reached 41.5 feet (12.64m). Major flood stage is 26 feet (7.92 m).
River level
211.65 metres
Colorado River at Lake Travis - October 17 to October 17, 2018
The Colorado River at Lake Travis reached 694.4 feet (211.65 m) on 17 October, just below major flood stage of 695 feet, prompting a Flash Flood Warning for the Lake Travis area.
Rainfall level
319.53 mm in 48 hours
Lampasas - October 14 to October 16, 2018
Figures from NWS 12.58 inches
Rainfall level
306.83 mm in 48 hours
Harper - October 14 to October 16, 2018
12.08 inches
Rainfall level
336.29 mm in 48 hours
Valley Spring - October 14 to October 16, 2018
13.24 inches
Rainfall level
327.15 mm in 48 hours
Castell - October 14 to October 16, 2018
12.88 inches

Damages

Fatalities
3 people
Junction - October 8 to October 9, 2018
As of 16 October 1 person was still missing
Fatalities
1 person
Lake Lyndon B. Johnson - October 16 to October 16, 2018