Flood — Presidio, Texas

2008-09-08 to 2008-09-29 · near Presidio Big Bend Ar, Presidio, Texas

Event narrative

Reports from the Texas Department of Transportation indicated that a substantial portion of State Route 170 was closed due to high water, southeast of Presidio, TX to near Lajitas, TX. The flooding was the result of water releases from the Luis Leon Reservoir in northern Mexico.

This portion of Route 170 remained closed for the entire duration of the event. In addition, the high water levels resulted in back flow up various tributaries to the Rio Grande River. City officials reported flooding in the Loma Peloma and Redford areas. Homes, 5 miles east of Presidio, were also threatened by the flood waters.

Low lying portions of Presidio, TX were under a mandatory evacuation for several days, which affected nearly 500 people.

Wider weather episode

During the summer of 2008, monsoon rainfall filled reservoirs across northern Mexico. In late August 2008, releases out of La Boquilla, Frank Madera, and Luis Leon Reservoirs were increased to lower water levels in those reservoirs. By mid-September the Rio Grande and its people were experiencing record flooding. On September 7, Governor Perry executed the State Emergency Plan. He then issued a Disaster Declaration for Presidio County, TX on September 18 and finally a Proclamation of State Disaster on the 19th.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (29.3131, -104.0230)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 134993. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.