From staff reports
Del Rio residents should prepare for heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding Thursday and Friday, with forecasters predicting as much as 2.6 inches of rain locally and significantly higher amounts possible across Southwest Texas.
According to the National Weather Service’s Austin/San Antonio office, Del Rio could receive between 0.9 and 2.6 inches of rainfall during the 24-hour period ending at 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30.
Across the region, rainfall totals could reach 2 to 4 inches, with isolated locations receiving as much as 6 inches.
The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for Val Verde, Kinney, Maverick and Edwards counties beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday and continuing through 1 p.m. Friday.
School district cancels Thursday football games
The San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District announced in a statement released at 12:40 p.m. Thursday that its junior varsity and freshman football games against Laredo United scheduled for Thursday evening have been canceled because of weather conditions.
The district said Thursday’s school dismissal would proceed as scheduled, and classes would continue as planned Friday, Oct. 30.
Friday night’s varsity football game between Del Rio and Laredo United also remains scheduled to proceed as planned.
District officials said they would continue monitoring weather conditions overnight to ensure the safety of students, staff and the community.
“The District will communicate any additional changes should weather conditions warrant further action,” SFDRCISD officials said in a statement.
Laughlin Air Force Base monitors conditions
Laughlin Air Force Base officials said there were no plans for an early release as of 12:56 p.m. Thursday, but they were continuing to monitor weather conditions.
Heavy rainfall could create dangerous conditions
Forecasters warned that thunderstorms could produce rainfall rates of 2 inches or more per hour in some locations, increasing the possibility of dangerous flash flooding.
The greatest concern is along the Rio Grande and southern Edwards Plateau, where heavy rainfall could cause rapid rises in creeks, streams and normally dry drainage areas.
Rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue Thursday afternoon and overnight, with additional storms possible Friday.
Temperatures in Del Rio are expected to remain in the lower 70s Thursday and Friday, with overnight lows in the mid-60s.
Although the rainfall could benefit the region, residents are urged to exercise caution, particularly when traveling near low-water crossings and flood-prone streets.
Flood safety reminders
The city of Del Rio has previously identified several streets and low-water crossings that can become hazardous during heavy rainfall.
Among the locations residents should approach with caution are:
- Johnson Street Bridge
- East Canal Street
- East Academy Street
- Railroad Avenue and East Bowie Street underpass
- Wildcat Drive
- Margaret Lane
- Alta Vista Drive
- Areas near Avenue U and Airport Boulevard
- Avenue U and 10th Street
- Avenue Q and 13th Street
These locations are identified as potential flooding concerns, not confirmed road closures.
Residents should avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall, obey barricades and road closure signs, and never attempt to drive through flooded streets or low-water crossings.
The National Weather Service reminds motorists that even relatively shallow moving water can sweep vehicles from roadways.
Residents are also encouraged to monitor local emergency notifications and National Weather Service forecasts for updated watches, warnings and possible road closures.
