4:15pm Texas & Louisiana Flood Update

Here is the rainfall that has fallen over the last three days up to 3 o'clock this afternoon. There is already one small area of 10" south of Dallas. Considerable flooding is occurring in that area.

Here is the forecast additional rainfall for the next three days.

Per the NWS's rainfall forecast above, another 6" is likely south of Dallas. The remains of Hurricane Patricia will cause a second area of extreme rainfall with about 15" near Houston.

This is a major flood situation and people in or near these areas should be prepared for flooding..please note that Louisiana is now at risk.

Here are some flood preparation recommendations:

• Plenty of extra cash.
• A full tank of fuel for your vehicle.
• Freshly refilled prescriptions.
• Valuables gathered together so they can be quickly put into the trunk so you can leave quickly if rising waters force you to do so. 
• A place to go: A relative's home on high ground, a motel, a public shelter, etc. If you go to a hotel, have a reservation. You may wish to consider an "extended stay" type of hotel.
• Be prepared to put valuable items you cannot take with you on top of tables, on the second floor, or in the attic to hopefully protect them from floodwaters. 
• If you evacuate, turn off the gas, water and electricity.
• You may need extra water even if you do not evacuate. You may recall that a number of cities' water systems failed in the recent South Carolina floods. A case of bottled water is a good idea.
• Keep your computer and cell phone completely charged in case your power fails. 
• Text messages often work when primary cell service is down. 

 I will update this outlook tomorrow morning.