San Angelo, Texas – Drivers along US-87 and Loop 306 should prepare for ponding on roads as early as Sunday afternoon, when repeated rounds of thunderstorms could drop at least half an inch of rain in a short window.
According to the National Weather Service in San Angelo, the chance for widespread rainfall increases through the weekend and into early next week. There is a 50 to 80 percent chance that much of west-central Texas receives at least 0.50 inches of rain by Sunday afternoon. By Tuesday afternoon, the probability of at least 1 inch of total rainfall rises into the 50 to 80 percent range across the region.
While beneficial rain is welcome in drought-prone areas, isolated thunderstorms may produce locally higher totals, especially along the US-67 corridor toward Ballinger and along I-20 near Big Spring. Heavy downpours could overwhelm low-water crossings and poor drainage areas, leading to brief roadway flooding.
The most vulnerable travel periods appear to be Sunday afternoon and again Monday into Tuesday, when additional storm clusters develop. Motorists should never drive across water-covered roads, as depth can be difficult to judge at night. Secure outdoor equipment and clear storm drains where possible to reduce localized runoff issues.
Emergency managers will monitor rainfall totals closely in Tom Green, Runnels and Coke counties as soils become increasingly saturated.
Additional flood advisories or warnings may be issued if rainfall rates intensify heading into early next week.
