Alert archive / Texas / River Flood Warnings in 2017

River Flood Warning 2, NWS Midland/Odessa, TX

May 21, 2017Brewster County, Texas

NWS Midland/Odessa, TX issued this river flood warning at May 21, 2017, 11:58 AM CDT for Brewster County, Texas. It was in force for 40 hr.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued
May 21, 2017, 11:58 AM CDT (16:58 UTC)
Expired
May 23, 2017, 4:20 AM CDT
In force
40 hr
Issued by
NWS Midland/Odessa, TX
Area
Storm-based polygon
Flood severity
Moderate

County Brewster County, TX

The river

Written for the forecast point Rio Grande at Castolon (CSTT2). The gauge peaked at 19.51 ft at May 21, 2017, 4:00 PM CDT.

actionminormoderate510152005/2105/2205/2305/24
Action stage
13 ft
Minor stage
15 ft
Moderate stage
19 ft
Major stage
24 ft

This gauge today: stage, forecast and historic crests

Stage from the USGS instantaneous record for site 08374550, one reading an hour, from a day before the product to a day after it ended. Flood stages are today's.

The text

As transmitted.

833 
WGUS44 KMAF 211658
FLWMAF
BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Flood Warning
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
1158 AM CDT Sun May 21 2017

...The National Weather Service in Midland has issued a flood warning
for the following rivers in Texas...

  Rio Grande at Castolon affecting Brewster County
  
.Thunderstorms producing very heavy rainfall have resulted in rapid
river rises on the Rio Grande and tributaries in the Big Bend area
over the past few hours. Rain gages and radar indicate that 2-3 
inches of rain have fallen in some areas over the past 3 hours.  
As a result, the Rio grande is expected to crest early this 
afternoon, and fall below flood stage late this afternoon. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Motorists are urged to heed flood warnings, and exercise caution if 
traveling through this area.  Vehicle-related fatalities are the 
number one source of flood fatalities in West Texas and New Mexico.
If you encounter a flooded stretch of roadway, do not attempt to  
cross it.  You and your vehicle could be swept downstream in rushing 
floodwaters.  Turn around, don't drown!  

River levels are high.  Ranchers and farmers should move livestock 
and machinery out of flood-prone areas if time permits.

Keep in mind that any additional rainfall across the area could
significantly change the present forecast stage.

Additional information is available at:  www.weather.gov/midland

The next statement will be issued this afternoon.

&&

TXC043-220858-
/O.NEW.KMAF.FL.W.0002.170521T1658Z-170523T0920Z/
/CSTT2.2.ER.170521T1536Z.170521T1800Z.170521T2120Z.NO/
1158 AM CDT Sun May 21 2017

The National Weather Service in  has issued a 

* Flood Warning for 
  the Rio Grande at Castolon.
* until late Monday night, or until the warning is cancelled.
* At 11AM Sunday the stage was 17.2 feet (5.2 meters).
* flooding is occurring and  flooding is forecast.
* Flood stage is 15.0 feet (4.6 meters).
* Forecast...The river will continue rising to near 19.1 feet (5.8 
  meters) by this afternoon.  The river will fall below flood stage 
  late this afternoon.
* Impact...At 19.0 feet (5.8 meters), the river reaches moderate flood
  stage, and begins flooding Cottonwood Campground.  The river 
  inundates the restrooms upstream at Santa Elena Canyon parking lot.
  The river begins to close all area roads.

This crest compares to a previous crest of 19.0 feet (5.8 meters) on 
Oct 3 1990.

&&

Below are the latest river stages and forecasts (feet):

                   Bf  Fld  Observed                  Forecast
Location          Stg  Stg  Stage   Day  Time   Sun   Sun   Mon   Mon
                                                1PM   7PM   1AM   7AM
  Castolon       13.0 15.0   17.2   Sun 11 AM  19.1  11.2   2.0   2.6

Below are the latest river stages and forecasts (meters):

                   Bf  Fld  Observed                  Forecast
Location          Stg  Stg  Stage   Day  Time   Sun   Sun   Mon   Mon
                                                1PM   7PM   1AM   7AM
  Castolon        4.0  4.6    5.2   Sun 11 AM   5.8   3.4   0.6   0.8

&&

LAT...LON 2909 10366 2923 10358 2920 10349 2912 10340 2900 10349


$$

44
3 follow-up statements
755 
WGUS84 KMAF 211902
FLSMAF
Flood Statement
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
202 PM CDT Sun May 21 2017

...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Texas...

  Rio Grande at Castolon affecting Brewster County
  
.Thunderstorms producing very heavy rainfall have resulted in rapid
river rises on the Rio Grande and tributaries in the Big Bend area
over the past few hours. Rain gages and radar indicate that 2-3 
inches of rain have fallen in some areas over the past 5 hours.  
As a result, the Rio grande is expected to crest early this 
afternoon, and fall below flood stage late this afternoon. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Motorists are urged to heed flood warnings, and exercise caution if 
traveling through this area.  Vehicle-related fatalities are the 
number one source of flood fatalities in West Texas and New Mexico.
If you encounter a flooded stretch of roadway, do not attempt to  
cross it.  You and your vehicle could be swept downstream in rushing 
floodwaters.  Turn around, don't drown!  

River levels are high.  Ranchers and farmers should move livestock 
and machinery out of flood-prone areas if time permits.

Keep in mind that any additional rainfall across the area could
significantly change the present forecast stage.

Additional information is available at:  www.weather.gov/midland

This should be the last statement issued for this event.

&&

TXC043-221102-
/O.EXT.KMAF.FL.W.0002.000000T0000Z-170523T1052Z/
/CSTT2.2.ER.170521T1536Z.170521T1815Z.170521T2252Z.NO/
202 PM CDT Sun May 21 2017

...Flood Warning extended until late Monday night...The Flood Warning
continues for
  the Rio Grande at Castolon.
* until late Monday night, or until the warning is cancelled.
* At  1PM Sunday the stage was 19.1 feet (5.8 meters).
* flooding is occurring and  flooding is forecast.
* Flood stage is 15.0 feet (4.6 meters).
* Forecast...The river will continue to fall to below flood stage by 
  late this afternoon.
* Impact...At 19.0 feet (5.8 meters), the river reaches moderate flood
  stage, and begins flooding Cottonwood Campground.  The river 
  inundates the restrooms upstream at Santa Elena Canyon parking lot.
  The river begins to close all area roads.

This crest compares to a previous crest of 16.0 feet (4.9 meters) on 
Aug 29 2016.

&&

Below are the latest river stages and forecasts (feet):

                   Bf  Fld  Observed                  Forecast
Location          Stg  Stg  Stage   Day  Time   Sun   Mon   Mon   Mon
                                                7PM   1AM   7AM   1PM
  Castolon       13.0 15.0   19.1   Sun  1 PM  13.8  11.2   8.0   5.7

Below are the latest river stages and forecasts (meters):

                   Bf  Fld  Observed                  Forecast
Location          Stg  Stg  Stage   Day  Time   Sun   Mon   Mon   Mon
                                                7PM   1AM   7AM   1PM
  Castolon        4.0  4.6    5.8   Sun  1 PM   4.2   3.4   2.4   1.7

&&

LAT...LON 2909 10366 2923 10358 2920 10349 2912 10340 2900 10349


$$

44
341 
WGUS84 KMAF 220102
FLSMAF
Flood Statement
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
802 PM CDT Sun May 21 2017

...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Texas...

  Rio Grande at Castolon affecting Brewster County
  
.Thunderstorms producing very heavy rainfall had resulted in rapid river rises on the Rio Grande and tributaries in the Big Bend area. The latest stage is above flood stage but is expected to drop to below action stage tonight.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Motorists are urged to heed flood warnings, and exercise caution if 
traveling through this area.  Vehicle-related fatalities are the 
number one source of flood fatalities in West Texas and New Mexico.
If you encounter a flooded stretch of roadway, do not attempt to  
cross it.  You and your vehicle could be swept downstream in rushing 
floodwaters.  Turn around, don't drown!  

River levels are high.  Ranchers and farmers should move livestock 
and machinery out of flood-prone areas if time permits.

Keep in mind that any additional rainfall across the area could
significantly change the present forecast stage.

Additional information is available at:  www.weather.gov/midland

The next statement will be issued

&&

TXC043-221702-
/O.EXT.KMAF.FL.W.0002.000000T0000Z-170523T1312Z/
/CSTT2.2.ER.170521T1536Z.170521T2100Z.170522T0112Z.NO/
802 PM CDT Sun May 21 2017

...Flood Warning extended until Tuesday morning...The Flood Warning 
continues for
  the Rio Grande at Castolon.
* until Tuesday morning, or until the warning is cancelled.
* At  7PM Sunday the stage was 15.8 feet (4.8 meters).
* flooding is occurring and  flooding is forecast.
* Flood stage is 15.0 feet (4.6 meters).
* Forecast...The river will continue to fall to below flood stage by 
  this evening.
* Impact...At 15.0 feet (4.6 meters), the river reaches minor flood 
  stage, and lowland flooding begins.  The river begins to flood the 
  road between Santa Elena Canyon and Cottonwood Campground in Big 
  Bend National Park.  The river begins to flood the parking lot at 
  Santa Elena Canyon, and cut off the nature trail into the canyon.  
  Campers in Cottonwood Campground need to prepare for possible 
  evacuations.

This crest compares to a previous crest of 16.0 feet (4.9 meters) on 
Aug 29 2016.

&&

Below are the latest river stages and forecasts (feet):

                   Bf  Fld  Observed                  Forecast
Location          Stg  Stg  Stage   Day  Time   Mon   Mon   Mon   Mon
                                                1AM   7AM   1PM   7PM
  Castolon       13.0 15.0   15.8   Sun  7 PM  11.6   8.3   6.5   5.6

Below are the latest river stages and forecasts (meters):

                   Bf  Fld  Observed                  Forecast
Location          Stg  Stg  Stage   Day  Time   Mon   Mon   Mon   Mon
                                                1AM   7AM   1PM   7PM
  Castolon        4.0  4.6    4.8   Sun  7 PM   3.5   2.5   2.0   1.7

&&

LAT...LON 2909 10366 2923 10358 2920 10349 2912 10340 2900 10349


$$
708 
WGUS84 KMAF 220705
FLSMAF
Flood Statement
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
205 AM CDT Mon May 22 2017

...The Flood Warning is cancelled for the following rivers in 
Texas...
  Rio Grande at Castolon affecting Brewster County

...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Texas...
  Rio Grande at Johnson Ranch affecting Brewster County
  
.Recent rains have caused rises in the Rio Grande the past 24 hours.
However river levels have receded at Castolon where the flood warning 
has been cancelled, and the river levels are beginning to recede at 
Johnston Ranch in Brewster County where minor flooding is expected 
through early this morning.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Motorists are urged to heed flood warnings, and exercise caution if 
traveling through this area.  Vehicle-related fatalities are the 
number one source of flood fatalities in West Texas and New Mexico.
If you encounter a flooded stretch of roadway, do not attempt to  
cross it.  You and your vehicle could be swept downstream in rushing 
floodwaters.  Turn around, don't drown!  

River levels are high.  Ranchers and farmers should move livestock 
and machinery out of flood-prone areas if time permits.

Keep in mind that any additional rainfall across the area could
significantly change the present forecast stage.

Additional information is available at:  www.weather.gov/midland

The next statement will be issued later this morning.

&&

TXC043-220735-
/O.CAN.KMAF.FL.W.0002.000000T0000Z-170523T1312Z/
/CSTT2.2.ER.170521T1536Z.170521T2100Z.170522T0031Z.NO/
205 AM CDT Mon May 22 2017

The Flood Warning is cancelled for
  the Rio Grande at Castolon.
* At  1AM Monday the stage was 6.2 feet (1.9 meters).
* Fell below flood stage at 19:31 PM Sunday.
* Flood stage is 15.0 feet (4.6 meters).
* Forecast...The river will continue to fall to 3.5 feet (1.1 meters)
  by tomorrow morning.


&&

Below are the latest river stages and forecasts (feet):

                   Bf  Fld  Observed                  Forecast
Location          Stg  Stg  Stage   Day  Time   Mon   Mon   Mon   Tue
                                                7AM   1PM   7PM   1AM
  Castolon       13.0 15.0    6.2   Mon  1 AM   4.8   4.3   4.0   3.8

Below are the latest river stages and forecasts (meters):

                   Bf  Fld  Observed                  Forecast
Location          Stg  Stg  Stage   Day  Time   Mon   Mon   Mon   Tue
                                                7AM   1PM   7PM   1AM
  Castolon        4.0  4.6    1.9   Mon  1 AM   1.5   1.3   1.2   1.2

&&

LAT...LON 2909 10366 2923 10358 2920 10349 2912 10340 2900 10349


$$

TXC043-221823-
/O.EXT.KMAF.FL.W.0003.000000T0000Z-170522T1823Z/
/TELT2.1.ER.170522T0247Z.170522T0515Z.170522T0623Z.NO/
205 AM CDT Mon May 22 2017

The Flood Warning continues for
  the Rio Grande at Johnson Ranch.
* until this afternoon, or until the warning is cancelled.
* At  1AM Monday the stage was 15.1 feet (4.6 meters).
* flooding is occurring and  flooding is forecast.
* Flood stage is 15.0 feet (4.6 meters).
* Forecast...The river will continue to fall to below flood stage by 
  after midnight this morning.
* Impact...At 15.0 feet (4.6 meters), flood stage is reached.  
  Moderate lowland flooding begins.  Roads that lead to Cottonwood 
  Campground and River Road may flood.  Stages are practically 
  synonymous with the gage at Cottonwood Campground at Castolon 
  (CSTT2), and therefore represent the reach from Santa Elena Canyon 
  through Cottonwood Campground, where damage may occur.  Cattle also
  graze in the lowlands, and may be threatened.

This crest compares to a previous crest of 15.1 feet (4.6 meters) on 
Jul 22 2013.

&&

Below are the latest river stages and forecasts (feet):

                   Bf  Fld  Observed                  Forecast
Location          Stg  Stg  Stage   Day  Time   Mon   Mon   Mon   Tue
                                                7AM   1PM   7PM   1AM
  Johnson Ranch  12.0 15.0   15.1   Mon  1 AM  12.1   8.4   6.3   5.2

Below are the latest river stages and forecasts (meters):

                   Bf  Fld  Observed                  Forecast
Location          Stg  Stg  Stage   Day  Time   Mon   Mon   Mon   Tue
                                                7AM   1PM   7PM   1AM
  Johnson Ranch   3.7  4.6    4.6   Mon  1 AM   3.7   2.6   1.9   1.6

&&

LAT...LON 2900 10349 2912 10340 2915 10312 2896 10305 2895 10338


$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Midland/Odessa, TX issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 21, 7:47 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMAFBrewster, Presidio58 min
May 21, 7:48 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementMAFJeff Davis57 min
May 21, 8:46 AM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMAFBrewster59 min
May 21, 9:41 AM CDTAreal Flood AdvisoryMAFBrewster3 hr
May 21, 9:57 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementMAF33 min
May 21, 11:49 AM CDTSpecial Weather StatementMAFCrane41 min
May 21, 12:07 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementMAFTerrell38 min
May 21, 12:15 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMAFCrane, Ector45 min
May 21, 12:18 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMAFTerrell27 min
May 21, 12:24 PM CDTSpecial Weather StatementMAFTerrell51 min
May 21, 12:59 PM CDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMAFEctor46 min

Nearby

River Flood Warnings in Texas, 2017Every river flood warning in 2017

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the gauge from the NWS water service and the USGS.