by Central and Southern Plains, TX – The Central and Southern Plains regions, including Texas Hill Country and parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas, are bracing for severe storms with heavy rain, potential flash flooding, and large hail. In response, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has activated state emergency resources ahead of the arriving weather system, underscoring the seriousness of the threat.
A slow-moving weather system forming in the West is expected to bring some of the first measurable rainfall this week to the South and Central Plains starting Wednesday evening, continuing through Friday. This system carries a Level 1 out of 5 severe weather threat focused on strong wind gusts and notably large hail, particularly in Texas and Oklahoma.
Severe Weather and Flood Threats Across the Region
The forecast includes thunderstorms that could generate hail as large as tennis balls and damaging winds. The flash flood threat is active across a broad area, from the Texas Hill Country northeast to Dallas and southern Oklahoma, and expanding Thursday into Nebraska, Missouri, and Arkansas.
- Level 1 out of 4 flash flood threat on Wednesday for parts of central Texas, southern Oklahoma, and southwestern Arkansas.
- Elevation to Level 2 threat on Thursday affecting cities such as San Antonio, Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Wichita.
- Predicted rainfall totals between 2–3 inches across a broad zone from St. Louis to San Antonio, with localized amounts up to 5 inches from southern Missouri into northern Texas.
“Strong winds and large hail are the main concerns with this system,” experts warn, stressing the need to heed local advisories and flood watches. Governor Abbott’s early activation of resources aims to bolster preparedness ahead of these conditions.
Historical Context and Warnings
Areas like Kerr County in the Texas Hill Country, which experienced deadly flooding earlier this summer, remain under a Flood Watch through Thursday. The region’s residents are urged to stay alert as flooding risk increases with ongoing heavy rain.
According to reports on FOX Weather, while the chance of severe weather on Thursday evening in Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana remains uncertain, consistent rainfall through Friday could cause significant flooding issues.
Community Preparedness and Safety Tips
- Stay tuned to local weather updates and emergency alerts.
- Be familiar with flood terminology: watches, warnings, and emergencies.
- Avoid flooded roads and seek higher ground if flash flooding is imminent.
- Prepare emergency kits and have a family communication plan in place.
Read Also: West Coast Gale Warnings: 20-Foot Seas Forecasted Through Thursday
Looking Ahead: What Residents Should Expect
The next several days will bring persistent rainfall and potential flash flooding risks across the Plains and Southern states. City officials in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Shreveport note that this will be the first measurable rainfall many have seen since late October, increasing the significance of this weather event.
Local authorities remind residents: “Safety first—avoid taking risks with flooding and severe storm conditions.”
Preparations remain ongoing as emergency resources are on heightened alert to assist affected communities. The situation continues to evolve, and staying informed will be critical.
