Flash Flood — Newton, Texas

2016-03-09 to 2016-03-10 · near Mayflower, Newton, Texas

Event narrative

Multi day rainfall amounts of 5 to 20 inches fell across Newton County with the most falling late on the 9th and early on the 10th. Most roads experienced flooding with many closed in the northern sections of the county, and several roadways were washed out. Several homes were also reported flooded during the event with at least one high water rescue of an elderly lady. Road damage alone was estimated at $1.5 million.

Wider weather episode

A cut off upper low over West Texas and a stalled frontal boundary over Southeast Texas produced multiple days of very heavy rainfall over the region. Widespread flash flooding occurred across the area with totals ranging from 5 to 20 inches. The highest rainfall total occurred at the Toledo Bend Dam with 15 to 20 inches of rainfall common over the reservoir. This pushed the lake level to an all time high of 174.36 feet which is several inches higher than the previous record crest from 1989. During the event a strong onshore flow also kept tides elevated.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (31.1671, -93.5692)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 625289. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.