Severe Texas Weather Bringing Flood Warnings

Strong bands of thunderstorms have been pounding central Texas since Tuesday, producing record rainfall amounts and causing streams and rivers to come alive with runoff. A suspected tornado was reported outside Austin as a building has collapsed there. Officials say that strong winds have torn the roof off of at least one home in Commercial Park.

Thunderstorms lashed San Antonio with pouring rains and high winds early Wednesday as the state of Texas is bracing for possible widespread flooding and the threat of tornadoes throughout the day. Approximately three inches of rain fell on the San Antonia area thus far with Austin getting over four inches. Texas had been experiencing its worst drought on record so the rainfall was needed although not this much this quickly.

The widespread storms have cut the power off for tens of thousands of people and shut down dozens of roadways and streets in and around San Antonio. Portions of the city are under flash flood warnings while parts of central and southeastern Texas are under tornado watches. Drivers and residents have been rescued from floodwaters southeast of Dallas Wednesday morning as very high waters filled surface streets. Some cars were abandoned on roadways in deep water submerged up to their roofs.

Many flights leaving Dallas-Fort Worth airport were canceled Wednesday as heavy downpours and winds up to 55 miles per hour made runway conditions too perilous for take-off. Local meteorologists are warning residents not to take the weather too lightly as there could be tornadoes developing in the type of weather pattern that is moving through. Houston residents living in low lying areas are being told to prepare their homes for possible flooding as the worst of the bad weather will arrive there around lunchtime. High winds have already taken out trees and powerlines, leaving around 18,000 without electricity.

The powerful storms which are moving across Texas could result in large hail falling as well as the continued threat of heavy rain, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes. The powerful thunderstorms are forecast to push eastward into Louisiana. The National Weather Service has already issued a tornado watch for portions of that state through Wednesday afternoon.