FLASH FLOODING EXISTS AND THREAT CONTINUES: Widespread forecast of 5”-8” of rain expected with localized areas of north, central, south and east Texas at risk for 10”-12” inches of rain between today and Friday night!

Dear Red Cross Partners & Friends:

Did you know in the first five months of 2016 that most of Texas has already received a years’ worth of rain? It’s true and more significant heavy rainfall is on the way through the rest of this week. This is a very dangerous situation! The American Red Cross is closely monitoring the ever-changing weather conditions and providing shelter, food, comfort, counseling, clean up supplies and financial assistance to families impacted.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is the latest example of how quickly the weather can change. Tuesday afternoon torrential rains fell across the southern part of the Metroplex, some at the rate of 3″ per hour! The American Red Cross opened a shelter in Granbury, Texas at the Bridge Street Conference Center. On top of the flooding in Granbury, Red Cross workers are also monitoring areas in Parker, Johnson and Wise counties in case anyone needs a safe place to stay. Water rescues continue this morning in that part of the state.

The Red Cross now has 21 shelters open across the state of Texas from El Paso to Dallas to Houston. If forecasts are accurate many more shelters will likely open. Significant river flooding is expected to continue along the Colorado, Brazos, Trinity, San Jacinto, Spring, Yegua, West Fork, East Fork rivers.

Please monitor the weather closely and do not drive through flooded roads. This is an unprecedented situation and the Red Cross desperately needs your assistance and support! Localized thunderstorms could drop 2” to 4” inches per hour in some cases so flash flooding can develop rapidly.

Your support of the American Red Cross is vital as we attempt to always be there for others in need.

Please be safe!