Flash Flood — Wichita, Texas

2008-08-18 to 2008-08-19 · near Burkburnett, Wichita, Texas

Event narrative

Major flooding occurred over northern Wichita county. At Wichita Falls, numerous homes were flooded with residents having to be evacuated by boat. A 3.5 mile stretch of railroad track from Wichita Falls to Burkburnett was washed out in several spots, making it impassable. At Burkburnett, the Reilly Ranch Loop was closed just south of Morgan Road and Highway 368, as well Highway 240. Interstate 44 was closed from Wichita Falls to the Red River due to as much as two feet of water flowing over top of it. Significant residential flooding was also reported along Business Highway 287 at Iowa Park. In total over the affected areas, at least 118 homes were flooded, 19 of which were destroyed. Burkburnett and Iowa Park were completely isolated for a few hours during the initial flooding because of street flooding. There was no access to or from these two cities. Monetary damages were estimated, and based on input from Wichita County officials.

Wider weather episode

An unseasonably strong upper level storm system moved over northern Texas, beginning on the 18th and continuing through parts of the 19th. Abundant moisture was in place ahead of the storm system and even increased as the storm system began moving east over the Red River. Several waves of heavy showers and thunderstorms occurred, resulting in extremely high precipitation totals and widespread flooding and flash flooding, mainly over the Iowa Park, Burkburnett and Wichita Falls areas. Many city and county roads were closed due to high water, and many water rescues took place. Numerous cars and trucks were washed off roadways. Governor Rick Perry declared Wichita county a disaster area, which made it eligible for federal disaster assistance. Monetary damages were estimated.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (34.0900, -98.5600)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 134039. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.