It can be hard to think about high-water conditions when it's a sweltering 105 degrees outside and your air conditioner is fighting for its life.
Whether you're planning to spend the weekend bathed in sunscreen on jet skis at your favorite lake or catching up on Stranger Things with a bowl of popcorn and your AC set to chill, weather matters.
Whether the weather is wetter or whatever, stay weather-wise so you're not caught by surprise.
It may be dry for the moment, but that doesn't mean that strong weather patterns won't bring quickly striking storms, which carry the threat of flooding and high winds.
Drought, floods, severe storms, wildfires, winter storms — every year since 1980 these weather disasters have claimed countless lives and caused billions of dollars in damages in the United States, according to the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.
As of August 2024, 19 confirmed weather/climate disaster events affected the U.S. with losses exceeding $1 billion each, according to the site. These events included 15 severe storm events, 1 tropical cyclone event, 1 wildfire event, and 2 winter storm events, resulting in the deaths of 149 people.
So how do you stay safe if you're out on the water?
When planning a fishing expedition along the Brazos River, a canoe trip, or camping with friends at one of the many Brazos River Authority parks, it's important to keep an eye on weather forecasts.
Be aware of cell phone service and that certain areas may not bode well for cell phones and those depending on them for the latest weather updates.
Quickly changing conditions can be a problem any time, but they can be especially dangerous if they occur in the middle of the night if you have pitched a tent on a sandbar. It's important to be aware that changes can occur and to have a plan in place to get to safety quickly.
If you're paddling or camping on the river, you can check on water releases from Possum Kingdom Lake, Lake Granbury and Lake Limestone at www.brazos.org. That website also has links to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes located in the Brazos River Basin.
Stay alert for rising river conditions at https://www.BrazosBasinNOW.org. At any point there is an emergency on or near the water, call 911 immediately.
Whether on the river or a reservoir, always ensure appropriately sized lifejackets are available and used. Different devices are better fit for different activities. For more information on personal floatation devices, click here. As a boat owner, it's important to ensure your boat is equipped with essential items to prepare you for unforeseen circumstances that may occur while out on the water. Don't wait for an emergency to remind you of the importance of being prepared; start today and ensure smooth sailing no matter what comes your way.
Whatever you do, don't try to outguess the weather.
So why should I be prepared if I'm staying inside?
More than 5 million Texans, or one in six people in the state, live or work in an area susceptible to flooding, according to a draft of the State Flood Plan
"The adage that "prevention is better than cure" is highly relevant to flood planning. Resources applied, up front, to reduce the risk and impact of flooding extend much further than the cost of disaster recovery efforts. In addition to reducing human suffering and economic damage caused by a storm event, flood planning and preparedness are wise financial investments for our future." – State Flood Plan
An equally important part of the planning process is engaging and educating Texas communities in assessing their flood risk and mitigating flood hazards in their communities. By fostering a culture of awareness, involvement, and preparedness, communities become active participants in reducing their own flood risks, according to the state flood plan.
One of the best things you and your family can do to meet the challenges of a disaster is to plan well before you need to use it. That plan should include:
- a communication strategy to help you get in touch with family, friends and neighbors in an emergency,
- evacuation routes in case you must quickly vacate your home, and
- potential meeting places in case you become separated from loved ones.
It's important to have an emergency kit ready with supplies in case you either have to weather a storm in your home or quickly evacuate. These kits should be stored in a secure location and should be reviewed every six months to determine which items may need to be replaced.
More information on disaster planning can be found here. More information on emergency kits is available here.
There is great natural beauty to enjoy when you live close to a river or reservoir, but the tradeoff is being aware of and prepared for flooding.
And Texas is no stranger to flooding.
Being prepared can save your life and give you peace of mind.