El Niño could mean more flash flooding through next year

Posted: Mon, 20 Jul 2015 05:56 PM - 39,586 Readers

Central Texas is right in the middle of "Flash Flood Alley," where there's no shortage of rushing water rescues. The Memorial Day floods could be a sign of what is to come.

Right now, El Niño is brewing in the eastern Pacific Ocean and it's only getting stronger. El Niño is the warming of the waters around the equator. In turn, this sets up a storm path right over Texas. So in the winter and fall, Texans will see a series of storms, meaning more rain and flash flooding could be likely.

One of the worst floods that occurred during an El Niño cycle was back in December 1991. Not only were homes swamped with water, but Lake Travis was also greatly impacted.

"The level of Lake Travis rose to the record high since the dam was built in 1942. It rose to just under four feet from the top of the spillway," said Chris Riley, supervisor of river operations with the Lower Colorado River Authority.

During that event, five floodgates opened at Mansfield Dam. The most was six during the floods in 1957, which many consider broke the drought. That event also occurred during a strong El Niño.

Long-term projections indicate that El Nino not only could last through next spring, but could be the strongest in 50 years. So although it may be hot and dry now, wetter weather looms beginning this fall.

* Story Contributed by: Jared M Plushnick, KVUE

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