National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Heavy Rainfall and Flooding in the Southwest and Along the East Coast

A multi-day heavy rainfall event is set to begin across New Mexico into west Texas Tuesday through Wednesday. Flash flooding and debris flows in the vicinity of burn scars will also be possible. A strong coastal low will develop offshore of the Mid-Atlantic coast midweek, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds and coastal flooding to much of the East Coast through Friday. Read More >

 

Event
Summary

 

March 2016 Record Flooding

 

Summary

A cut off upper low over West Texas and a stalled frontal boundary over Southeast Texas produced multiple days of very heavy rainfall over the region. Widespread flash flooding occurred across the area with totals ranging from 10 to 20 inches. The highest rainfall total occurred at the Toledo Bend Dam with 15 to 20 inches of rainfall common over the reservoir. This pushed the lake level to an all time high of 174.36 feet which is over one foot higher than the previous record crest from 1989. This forced the floodgates to be fully opened on the 10th, except for two gates that were under maintenance. Downstream of the reservoir, a flood of record occurred along the Sabine River.


Image of rainfall totals