Over 4 Inches of Rain Could Fall This Weekend in Some Areas of North Texas

NORTH TEXAS – While much-needed rain is on the way, it comes with a serious risk: flooding. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Norman has issued a flood watch for parts of North Texas, including Archer, Baylor, Clay, Wichita, and Wilbarger counties, beginning 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday evening.

What to Expect: Heavy Rain, Flooding Likely

According to the NWS, excessive runoff from periods of heavy rainfall could lead to flooding in low-lying areas, as well as along rivers, creeks, and streams already near capacity. Rainfall totals are expected to be high enough to cause flash flooding, especially in areas with poor drainage.

Areas at particular risk include:

Low-lying streets and intersections
Underpasses and dips in roadways
Streams, creeks, and rivers already running high

Timing and Storm Threats

Storm activity could begin as early as 4 p.m. Friday, with the strongest storms likely between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. this evening. In addition to flooding, the weekend storms could bring:

Damaging wind gusts
Hail
Localized power outages in storm-impacted areas

However, flooding remains the primary concern. With ground conditions already saturated in some parts of the region, it won’t take much additional rain to cause issues.

Safety First: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”

Authorities are reminding everyone to stay off flooded roads, even if the water looks shallow. As the saying goes, “Turn around, don’t drown.” It only takes six inches of fast-moving water to knock over an adult and 12 inches to move a vehicle.

Many flood-related fatalities happen when people try to drive through flooded roads. Don’t risk it. If you see water over the road, find another route.