Heavy Rain Flooded San Angelo Streets Early Friday

SAN ANGELO – San Angelo woke up to a watery surprise this Friday morning as streets grappled with moderate flooding following a deluge of 1.2 inches of rain in just four hours at the local airport. The Red Arroyo surged to full capacity at College Hills Blvd., causing low-lying intersections to submerge under the unexpected downpour.

The National Weather Service office at Mathis Field reassured residents that the rainfall is expected to cease by Friday morning, yielding to clear, sunny skies. This welcome change comes as a relief after recent reports indicated a significant improvement in drought conditions across most of West Central Texas.

Farmers in the region may also be in for a notable shift as the Farmers' Almanac predicts a cold and wet winter ahead. This forecast brings hope for agricultural recovery after a challenging year marked by weather extremes. The rain that graced the area in 2023 primarily arrived during the spring, coinciding with a stretch of scorching days that saw temperatures soar over 110 degrees Fahrenheit. These harsh conditions took a toll on the cotton crop, resulting in a disappointing harvest that only accounted for about 20% of what was initially planted.

Lake levels, crucial for the region's water supply, continue to be a cause for concern. O.C. Fisher remains at a concerning low of below 2% capacity, while Twin Buttes sits at 15% capacity and O.H. Ivie lingers at less than 30% capacity.

Despite the recent rainfall, the lingering effects of the scorching temperatures and water scarcity have left their mark on the area's agricultural output and reservoir levels. As the region braces for a predicted cold and wet winter, residents and farmers alike remain cautiously optimistic about the prospects of recovery in the months ahead.