Updated Rainfall Forecast and Impacts For Texas and Louisiana

First, here is the rainfall that has fallen with this storm up to 2pm CDT.

The NWS is forecasting an additional foot of rain to fall in the vicinity of Houston and the Orange Triangle with heavy rains east into Louisiana and more than seven inches likely.

The torrential rains (upper map) south of Dallas, near Corsicana, will generally flow south southeast toward the Gulf (arrows). This additional rain will fall on top of the rising rivers, rapidly and significantly worsening the seriousness of the flooding.

Here is just one example on the Trinity River:

click to enlarge

The river, after a dry autumn to date, hardly had any water in it. But, in a period of 72 hours, it is going to rise more than 40 feet (!!) to a major flood. 

So, I'd like to reiterate our flood safety 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. 

Please keep up with local sources of flood warnings.