From Drought to Flash Flood to Freeze Warnings in Texas

Rain in the eastern U.S. would not be big news, but rain in Texas? That's something to write home about. Texas has been struggling with abnormally high temperatures, devastating wildfires and crippling drought. New wildfires have broken out in several areas of Texas, too. Meanwhile, flash flood warnings are in effect for parts of central Texas.

Thunderstorms will bring heavy rain to the Permian Basin and other regions of the Midland and Odessa regions of Texas. A flash flood warning affects west Texas counties including Borden, Glasscock, Howard, Martin, Mitchell, Midland, Reagan, Scurry and Upton. Cities of Snyder, Stanton, Big Spring, Colorado City, Garden City, Midland, McCamey, Rankin and Big Lake. Some areas may get 1-3 inches of rain and flood small streams.

Residents are reminded to avoid flood waters. Six inches of rapidly moving flood water can knock a strong person off his feet. Elderly and disabled people and children are at extra risk. Livestock and pets should be kept away from flood water, due to drowning hazard. Flood water is toxic as well; it picks up all manner of debris. Many infections spread through contact with flood water.

Motorists should avoid driving through flood water. Even a shallow covering of water across the surface of the road can cause a vehicle to hydroplane. Drivers cannot control hydroplaning vehicles. Water levels as high as the axle of a vehicle can damage and cripple an automobile. Flood water can wash vehicles away.

Extreme temperatures plague Texas, too. While some areas are still in the high 80s, other areas are dropping to sub-freezing temperatures. Freeze warnings are in effect for the southwest mountains, lower Gila region and southern Sacramento Mountains. Cities under freeze advisory are Cloudcroft, Silver City, Timberon and Mescalero. This is not good news for farmers trying to plant winter wheat or harvest. It's bad news for ranchers, too. Drought and wildfire have driven the price of cattle feed up. Prices are four to five times what they are in other places.

Thunderstorms are blasting the rest of the state, and New Mexico also. The dry, hot weather that has blanketed most of Texas has produced ideal conditions for extremely dangerous thunder and lightning. Lightning, winds of 45 mph, small hail and intense rain endanger residents also.

It was winds from Tropical Storm Lee that caused the outbreak of wildfires that damaged much of Texas. Lee brought 60 mph winds, but no rain to the state. 98 percent of Texas is experiencing profound drought conditions.

Winds sparked fires in drought-dried forests. Winds also scattered burning embers and spread wildfires to other areas. Wildfire damage estimates have been set at $250 million. Wildfires burned 6,000 square miles of land and destroyed over 1,100 homes. Damage to agriculture from the 2011 droughts have been set at $5.5 billion. Some experts believe this may be the worst drought Texas have ever experienced.