Travis, Williamson Counties Flash Flood Watch Extended

AUSTIN, TEXAS — The National Weather Service has extended its flash flood watch through Friday evening, officials said.

The likelihood of additional rain throughout the region prompted forecasters on Thursday to broaden their previously issued flash flood watch in anticipation of more rain coming in from the Gulf of Mexico. The flash flood watch is now extended until 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19.

The watch for Travis, Williamson, Bexar, Comal and Hays counties was originally set to expire at 7 p.m. Thursday. But the low-pressure system above the Gulf of Mexico has yet to arrive in earnest as of Thursday evening.

NWS forecasters originally said heavy showers was expected to move through the Interstate 35 corridor as early as Wednesday night. Forecaster expect another 1 to 2 inches of rain to fall, with up to 4 inches in some isolated areas.

Previous story: Incoming Heavy Rain Prompts Flood Warnings For Travis, Williamson

"Plenty of moisture along with a series of upper level disturbances moving across the region will result in continued moderate to heavy rainfall across portions of South Central Texas through Friday evening," NWS forecasters wrote. "Several clusters of moderate to localized heavy showers are expected to affect most areas along and west of the I-35 corridor this afternoon [Thursday], late tonight and Friday.

The chances of flooding are heightened given the over-saturated state of soil across the landscape after days of rain, both light and heavy, since the week began, according to weather forecasters: "Due to the sensitivity of the area soils and expected rain rates for the period, it is likely for the threat of flash flooding to continue through Friday evening including the Austin and San Antonio metro areas."

Related stories:

Nature's Fury: Central Texas Rain Leaves Destruction In Its Wake

Travis County Judge Declares Region Disaster Area

The National Weather Service issues a flash flood watch when conditions are favorable for flash flooding in flood-prone areas, usually when grounds are already saturated from recent rains, or when upcoming rains will have the potential to cause a flash flood.

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