A developing severe weather storm system is predicted to descend on the Highland Lakes Area on Friday, May 12 and potentially through Saturday.
"The thunderstorms are forecast to spread east across the Concho Valley and the Edwards Plateau this evening, moving across the Hill Country between about midnight and 3 am," Rose predicted. "The thunderstorms are forecast to move across the Austin and Central Texas region between about 2 am and 6 am, and the middle Texas coast after daybreak Saturday.
"Some of these thunderstorms may be strong to severe, capable of producing large hail and damaging downburst winds of 40-70 mph. Behind the initial line of thunderstorms, additional rain and scattered thunderstorms are forecast to continue Friday night through Saturday morning," Rose added. "Some occasional breaks from the rain and thunderstorms do look to develop Saturday afternoon, but additional rounds of rain showers and thunderstorms are forecast to continue Saturday night, Sunday, and Monday.
"Thanks to a very moist flow off the Gulf of Mexico, some this rain will at times be heavy, increasing the threat for flooding."
Motorists should beware of potential treacherous road conditions.
"Because of the increased threat for flooding, the National Weather Service has posted a Flood Watch for the entire region through Saturday evening," he said. "NWS (National Weather Service) forecasters do intend to extend the watch through Sunday and possibly Monday."
Rose continued that "forecasted rain amounts through Tuesday have not changed very much.
"Forecasts call for widespread totals of 3-6 inches for the Hill Country and the Austin/Interstate 35 corridor. For areas east of Interstate 35, totals through Tuesday are forecast to range from 3-4 inches in the Bastrop/La Grange area, to around 1-3 inches for areas south of Interstate 10."
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, flash flooding is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in Texas.
"If you encounter a flooded road, 'Turn Around, Don't Drown,'" officials warn motorists. The agency offers the following advice:
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Never walk, swim, or drive through still or moving flood waters. The water may be hiding dangers such as debris, tree branches, power lines, or damage to the road. As little as six inches of fast-moving water can cause motorists to lose control of their vehicle, even a pickup truck or SUV.
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Stay informed about weather conditions when you are driving.
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Be especially careful driving at night when it can be harder to see flood dangers.
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If your vehicle stalls in deep water, leave it and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
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Never drive around barriers blocking low water crossings or flooded roadways. Penalties include a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail.
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Tampering with roadway warning signs or barriers is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to two years in jail, or both.
Pedernales Electric Cooperative officials say they are prepared to respond to potential severe storms over the next few days.
PEC members can report outages quickly and easily by:
Texting the word “outage” to 25022 from the number associated with their account.
Calling 888-883-3379.
Logging into SmartHub and reporting it online.
Downloading PEC’s SmartHub mobile app to report and track outages 24/7.
Find more information at pec.coop/outage.
