If you live in an area that may get a lot of rain from the Gulf storm,

[Are_grits_groceries]

please, please be aware of potential flooding.

Even if you are in the severe drought area, don't assume that all the water will be absorbed.

If the rain comes down fast enough with several inches per hour, some of it is going to run off. Make preparations now.

Yes, this another warning and a case of maybe. However, the better safe than sorry.

Okay, pile on now with your exact forecasts that WILL happen.


:yoiks:

[kdmorris]

1. Drought striken areas actually flood quite badly from sudden rain

"Of course, getting 12" or more of rain in a short period of time (few days or less) is far from ideal. Months of drought hardening the soil makes it act more like a paved surface when heavy rain falls, leading to more runoff and less absorption into the ground. That's the cruel irony of summer drought relief. It can often come in the form of infrequent, heavy rain events that can trigger flash flooding, rather than soaking in."

From the weather channel, but still makes the point: http://www.weather.com/weather/hurricanecentral/article/gulf-disturbance-drought-denter_2011-09-01

[hobbit709]

2. In 1974 when I first came to TX

and saw the "Low Water Crossing" signs with the Flood Gauge marker poles, I said to myself, "Don't even think about it if it's raining and there's water on the road. I call them IQ tests.

[kdmorris]

3. I like it

LOL! IQ tests... I hope Texas gets some rain out of this but I'm not sure it's going to go that way. Louisiana looks like they need the rain, too. Right now, it's nearly stationary, so anything goes. Not that the rest of the south doesn't need the rain too, just... we don't need it as much.

[Courtesy Flush]

4. Storms like this can be more deadly than hurricanes.

One of our deadliest storms was TS Alison. Because it was not a hurricane, people went about their normal business, and no one evacuated. Several people were killed.

My office was not closed for the storm, and I had to drive home in it. My 35 minute commute took over 4 hours because of flooded roads.