Flash Flood — Navarro, Texas

2015-10-23 to 2015-10-24 · near Frost, Navarro, Texas

Event narrative

Significant flash flooding occurred in Navarro County after over a day of heavy rain produced 15-23 inches of rain in the county. The flood waters remained for over a week in many places after the heavy rain event ended. The first reports of flash flooding were received around 1219 PM CDT as several high water rescues were ongoing in Corsicana and one was reported in Powell. Soon after that, flood waters started covering several roads across the county as the heavy rain continued. By 330 PM CDT, it was reported that most FM roads in the county were impassable due to flooding and several streets in Corsicana were closed. Homes and businesses across the county were flooded during this event. Over 100 roads sustained damage or were washed out. Portions of Interstate 45 were closed on the night of the 23rd and again on the 24th. Swift water rescues were needed along portions of Interstate 45. Flood waters resulted in a 64-car train derailment along Business 45 north of Corsicana.

The ASOS measured nearly 10 inches of rain in 15 and a half hours. By 700 AM CDT on the 24th, a COOP observer had measured over 20 inches of rainfall.

Wider weather episode

Heavy rain led to flash flooding across portions of North Central Texas on the 23rd and 24th, with residual flooding lasting through at least the 25th. Rainfall totals in flood damaged areas ranged from 5 to 21+ inches within a 36 hour period. The highest rainfall totals were in Navarro County which suffered significant damage across the entire county. Flood waters derailed a train north of Corsicana and many county and farm-to-market roads were washed away. The flooding in Navarro County persisted for weeks in areas where the water had a very difficult time draining. Rainfall totals near 20 inches also fell in southern Hill County were many roads were covered with water.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (32.0730, -96.8932)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 603502. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.