From staff reports
Heavy overnight rain prompted the National Weather Service to issue a flood advisory for parts of Val Verde County until 7 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30.
The advisory, issued at 2:22 a.m., covers an area the weather service identifies as northeastern Val Verde County. Listed locations include Comstock, Juno, Seminole Canyon State Park, Box Canyon, Amistad Acres, Bakers Crossing and Devils River State Natural Area’s Del Norte unit.
Radar indicated between 1 and 3 inches of rain had fallen in the affected area, with up to another inch expected. Forecasters warned of small-stream flooding and minor flooding in low-lying areas and places with poor drainage.
Drivers should avoid flooded roads and low-water crossings. Darkness makes it harder to recognize flood dangers, and campers and hikers should stay away from streams and creeks, the weather service advised.
“Turn around, don’t drown,” the agency urged.
A separate special weather statement remains in effect until 4:30 a.m. for portions of northeastern Val Verde, western Edwards, northeastern Kinney and northwestern Uvalde counties.
Issued at 3:41 a.m., that statement identified strong thunderstorms moving northeast at 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph and torrential rainfall. Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow unsecured objects around.
The overnight flood advisory comes ahead of a broader flood watch that includes Del Rio and Val Verde County, beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday and continuing until 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2.
Forecasters expect 2 to 4 inches of rain across the watch area during that period, with isolated totals up to 8 inches possible. Those figures are regional projections.
The weather service warns that additional heavy rainfall could flood streets, low-water crossings, creeks and rivers, with potentially life-threatening flooding somewhere in the watch area. Residents in flood-prone locations should monitor updated forecasts and prepare to act if warnings are issued.
City identifies areas prone to flooding
The City of Del Rio recommends residents use caution near roads and locations that have historically experienced flooding during heavy rain. Its published flood safety guidance identifies these areas:
- Johnson Street Bridge near Lions Park
- East Canal Street crossing
- East Academy Street crossing
- Railroad Avenue/East Bowie underpass
- Wildcat Drive
- Margaret Lane low-water crossing
- Alta Vista Drive low-water crossing
- Avenue U near Airport Boulevard
- Avenue U near 10th Street
- Avenue Q near 13th Street
The list identifies areas of concern, rather than confirmed current closures. Flooding and standing water can also develop elsewhere during heavy rainfall.
Residents should obey barricades and road closure signs and never drive through flooded roads.
Alert information checked at 4:02 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30. The alert expiring at 7 a.m. is a flood advisory.
