By Brad Banaszynski
The weather situation in Texas over the last year has been quite concerning. Throughout much of the year, the state has suffered the worst levels of drought countrywide, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, and has also experienced extreme rainfall on top of that. In the past couple of weeks, more torrential rainfall added to the already overflowing waters in Texas. Up to twenty inches of rain have fallen in the matter of just a few days, and in the southeast they experienced another six to twelve inches that were forecasted to hit them overnight. This never before seen intense, torrential rain is setting local records all over Texas. The situation is turning disastrous, with coastal winds not helping the already distressed state. Rivers and creeks all over the state have been severely overflowed and lead to wayward streams closing multiple roads.
What does all of this mean for the state of Texas? Nothing good. Statewide flooding is a major hazard and potentially life threatening. As previously mentioned, the flooding of roads has become a serious problem that coincides with the torrential downpour of rain. This aspect is especially important when it comes to safety in these extreme weather conditions. In situations similar to what is going on in Texas, rushing water on roadways are where deaths tend to occur. Flooding has already been recorded to have washed away cars, and even derailed a freight train. The most alarming report regarding the flood came from San Antonio with disappearance of a 41-year old homeless man who was swept away by floodwaters. Roel Martinez, the victim of the flood, was located more than a day after the wayward streams took him out. It was a miracle that Roel was recovered, considering the initial search for him was forced to be called off because of how unsafe the weather conditions were. When recovered, the man explained that he was chasing his dog when the rushing water swept him away. It’s no surprise that Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency in 24 Texas counties.
And so, it is alarming to observe the weather that Texas has been facing this year. They have experienced extremes on both sides of the spectrum: drought and rainfall. It is very interesting to observe the unprecedented weather patterns that are becoming serious problems that the government of Texas has to deal with. The rebuilding of major roadways that have been destroyed and the preventative measures to prevent major damage in the future will be necessary steps that this state will have to take immediate, swift action to put into place.
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