North Texas Experiences Rainiest Month in 25 Years

Historically, Texas is known for its hot and dry climate - a draw to early settlers as well as recent transplants. But in June 2007, the weather in Texas proved to be thoroughly unpredictable as rain fell a majority of days in the month. In north Texas, the official rainfall collection point is the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. The Dallas Morning News reported that this location reported a total of 11.1 inches of rain throughout the month of June, versus normal rainfalls for the same month historically of 3.23 inches. It has been more than twenty-five years since more rain has fallen in any one month in this geographic region, and almost eighty years since as much rain fell in the month of June.

Although north Texas residents are often glad to see often-needed rain to stanch the effects of drought, the conditions in June 2007 have proven overwhelming to many. Throughout the area, flooding continues to be a problem, as rivers, creeks and lakes rise far above their normal levels. DMN also reported that the Trinity River, a main waterway in the DFW area, was list as five feet above flood stage on June 30th, the last day of the month. Heading into the month of July, rains continue to pose problems for residents and residences alike.

Excessive water has been a problem in north Texas not only as waterways overrun their banks, but also as roadways with poor drainage systems succumb to flash flooding. Local roadways as well as state and interstate highways posted signs warning motorists to "Turn Around - Don't Drown" after handfuls of cars became stuck while trying to traverse flooded thoroughfares. Local homeowners, including this author, watched as their non-waterfront properties became full with the falling precipitation and began to resemble marshland. In addition to flooded land and homes, many homeowners have also suffered losses when trees have fallen due to the enormous weight of the consistently falling rain or due to lightning strikes.

Far more tragic than wet possessions or fallen landscape are those residents who have suffered death and injury throughout the course of this second-wettest June. As of June 19^th, the death toll in north Texas reached a total of six for the month. The towns of Haltom City, Gainesville and Sherman seemed hardest hit within the region. The Associated Press reported that in Haltom City, a four-year-old girl was swept out of her mother's arms while the two were making their way through floodwaters and to a rescue boat that capsized. In Gainesville, a two-year-old girl, her five-year-old sister and their elderly grandmother died when their mobile home was dislodged by floodwaters. Two additional victims died in Sherman and elsewhere in Grayson county when their vehicles were stranded on flooded roadways. DMN also reported that in the final eleven days of the month, another victim was claimed when a thirteen-year-old boy drowned in rain-swollen Duck Creek, near Garland.

In a time of year when north Texas residents are traditionally praying for rain, prayers are now aimed at a return to dry weather. After only eleven days without any measurable rainfall in June, many wonder what July will hold. In the earliest part of the month, rain looks sure to continue, but hopes are high for a drying-out period later in the month.

References:

Associated Press, "Death toll in Texas reaches six." MSNBC. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19288697/)

James Hohmann, "June was the rainiest month in 25 years." Dallas Morning News.
(http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-weather_01met.ART.State.Edition1.44126ba.html)