Flash Flood — Terrell, Texas

2004-07-25 · near Dryden, Terrell, Texas

Event narrative

A large complex of thunderstorms erupted over southeastern Pecos County, northeastern Brewster County, and much of Terrell County during the pre-dawn hours Sunday. Terrell County received the heaviest rainfall, with KMAF 88D Doppler radar estimates that totaled seven to nine inches over rural portions of north-central Terrell County between 03:00 and 12:00 CST. Widespread and damaging flash flood conditions resulted across the west Texas Lower Trans Pecos. This heavy rainfall and its associated runoff produced flash flooding along Dry Creek and Independence Creek. Local officials reported that a wall of water that measured eighteen feet in height propagated down Dry Creek in the pre-dawn hours. The debris-filled flood waters severely damaged a bridge on State Highway 349 twenty-five miles north-northeast of Dryden. By midday an earthen and concrete embankment on the north end of the bridge was washed away, and the structure was cracked in several locations. Only a single concrete pillar and a thin layer of asphalt prevented a complete collapse. In addition to the extensive damage sustained to the bridge, large segments of State Highway 349 also were washed away between the intersection of Farm to Market Road 2400 and Dry Creek as water rushed through low lying areas and small tributaries. Stretches of pavement measuring 100 feet in length were stripped away. At 16:20 CST local officials reported more than three feet of water flowing over Big Canyon Bridge fifteen miles north of Dryden. Later reports indicated that the bridge did not sustain significant structural damage.Raging flood waters also deposited huge mounds of mud and gravel up to four feet deep over the highway. With a lull in thunderstorm activity during the mid afternoon, flash flooding along State Highway 349 generally receded by 15:00 CST. Road crews worked for days to remove the vast amount of debris and damage that resulted from the flood waters.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5413812. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.