Flash Flood — Anderson, Texas

2016-04-30 · near Palestine, Anderson, Texas

Event narrative

Nearly 7.5 of rain fell over Palestine in about one hour causing flooding across the city. Cars were flooded in downtown Palestine. Newspapers also reported that businesses and homes in low-lying areas across the city were flooded and damaged. A total of 35 homes sustained major damage and 3 businesses in Old Town Palestine were damaged. the railroad track at Sycamore and Gillespie streets were washed out. Flooding was also reported at Loop 256 and Highway 84 on the east side of Palestine. To the southwest of Palestine, part of Shamrock Drive was washed out.

Wider weather episode

A warm front and a dry line combined to produce another round of severe weather across the region. Three tornadoes occurred on April 29th producing relatively minor damage equivalent to EF-0 damage. The big story during this period was the 6 flash flood fatalities in the Palestine area in Anderson County on the night of the 29th.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (31.7387, -95.5972)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 631037. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.