Gov. Greg Abbott put Lubbock directly in the path of concern Tuesday as he briefed Texans on a developing weather system threatening to bring heavy rainfall and potentially dangerous flash flooding to a large section of West Texas.
Abbott said the area of concern is “ranging from Amarillo down through Lubbock to Midland.”
The warning comes as the National Weather Service in Lubbock says periods of heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected across much of the South Plains from Tuesday into Wednesday. Storms could repeatedly move over the same locations, producing high rainfall rates and creating the potential for flash flooding.
“The State of Texas is prepared to respond to the threat of heavy rainfall and flooding,” Abbott said. “State resources are available to support local communities and help keep Texans safe as these weather conditions develop.”
The National Weather Service has placed much of the southern Texas Panhandle and South Plains under a Level 3 of 4, or Moderate Risk, for excessive rainfall and flash flooding Tuesday.
Forecasters say swaths of 2 to 3 inches of rain are possible through Wednesday, although the exact location of the heaviest rainfall remains uncertain.
The concern is not simply how much rain falls, but how quickly it falls and whether thunderstorms repeatedly move across the same areas. That could overwhelm drainage systems and flood low-lying areas, urban streets and low-water crossings.
A Flood Watch is in effect from Tuesday morning through Wednesday afternoon for Parmer, Castro, Swisher, Bailey, Lamb and Cochran counties.
Lubbock County is not currently included in the Flood Watch. However, the National Weather Service said forecast conditions could warrant expanding the watch farther southeast as the storm develops.
Lubbock and surrounding communities remain at risk for periods of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and localized flash flooding.
The system could also bring severe weather. Some thunderstorms could produce strong winds, hail and torrential rainfall. Forecasters are also monitoring the potential for isolated severe storms as the system moves across the region.
State officials are positioning emergency resources in preparation for the weather, including rescue boats, helicopters, game wardens, Texas Department of Public Safety personnel and transportation crews.
Abbott urged Texans to prepare and pay close attention to changing weather conditions.
“I urge Texans to remain weather-aware, monitor local forecasts, avoid flooded roadways, and heed the guidance of state and local officials.”
For Lubbock-area residents, the most important period to watch begins Tuesday and continues into Wednesday as the slow-moving system moves across the region.
Residents should secure loose outdoor objects and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain. If a Flash Flood Warning is issued for your location, move away from low-lying areas and do not wait for water to rise before seeking safer ground.
Drivers should use particular caution. Flash flooding can develop rapidly, especially at low-water crossings and on streets where drainage systems become overwhelmed.
Never attempt to drive through a flooded roadway. Water can be deeper and moving faster than it appears, and the roadway beneath it may be damaged or washed away.
