Central Texas’s flood-devastated areas may finally get relief from severe weather as thunderstorms begin moving eastward.
The National Weather Service reported that scattered thunderstorms could bring heavy downpours across Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas on July 8, but they will “largely taper off” by nightfall as they move east across the region.
“After several days of active thunderstorms and torrential rains, resulting in catastrophic flooding across south-central Texas, some relief is in store during Tuesday,” forecasters stated.
Additional storms may emerge farther east across the Deep South and southern Appalachians during July 9, but they will “die down considerably” by that evening.
Strong storms that could produce gusty winds and localized flooding are possible in other parts of Texas, but the National Weather Service in Fort Worth says the threat of severe weather remains low. Forecasters predict minor flooding, and flood warnings will stay in effect for some areas of the state, including along the Guadalupe River near Bloomington, Texas.
Death toll rises from weekend storms
Extreme flooding began in the Texas Hill Country around 4 a.m. on July 4 when thunderstorms dumped more than 10 inches of rain on the region. The relentless rain overwhelmed the Guadalupe River, causing it to surge over 26 feet in less than an hour, according to Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
The rain didn’t let up and the flood risk persisted in the central part of the state over the next few days.
The death toll has risen to at least 104, including 27 children and counselors from the beloved Camp Mystic, a storied Christian girls camp in hard-hit Kerr County. Ten Mystic campers and one counselor remain missing.
