Randall County removing debris near dams and waterways as more severe weather hits
The Randall County Sheriffs Office (PCSO) is urging caution to citizens following a severe thunderstorm warning and elevated chance of flooding Friday.
In a news release, PCSO stated that according to the National Weather Service, rain is likely for the Central and East Texas Panhandle this afternoon, and will affect Randall County and the City of Canyon.
The severe storm threat will be from 1 to 10 p.m. today, which will bring flash flooding, as well as possible golf ball size hail and strong winds. Due to high rivers and soil saturation, there is an elevated chance of flooding due to these storms. The flood watch is expected to last from 1 p.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday morning.
Randall County and City of Canyon officials, including leadership from the Villages of Lake Tanglewood, Timbercreek Canyon, and Palisades, are currently working to remove debris near dams and waterways in an effort to keep spillways working as designed, mitigate damage to these structures, and keep floodwaters from pooling in areas where property damage or hazardous conditions could result. Due to a large amount of debris, high water levels, and swift-running water, all lakes will remain closed for recreational activities.
Flooding in neighborhoods could result from debris built up in culverts that does not allow water to flow as needed. Do not enter any rushing water in drainage ditches or culverts to clear any debris, as this is unsafe. Only remove debris if it is safe to do so. Contact Randall County to report any built up debris in culverts that appear to be dangerous.
Currently there are approximately 20 road closures in rural Randall County due to water over the road. Road closures that are marked with barricades or cones will remain closed until passage is determined to be safe. Do not drive around any barricades into high or rushing water, and report any new hazardous roadway conditions to Randall County officials.
Citizens are encouraged to report any property damage to the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT), utilizing the provided link here at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/9f69ca5e0d654fc58b68c3b2d7816e9a?field:incident_id=23-0016%2027MAY%20Flooding .
More: Amarillo area faces flooding problems as rainfall continues
Randall County, along with the city of Canyon, issued disaster declarations Thursday relating to the prolonged flooding threat, with Lake Tanglewood, Timbercreek Canyon, The Palisades and River Falls all closed to the public. In addition, Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge has been temporarily closed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
The county said the Amarillo Office of Emergency Management is working with the Red Cross to establish shelter locations for citizens affected by the flooding in Canyon and Amarillo. Residents are encouraged to stay home after dark, and officials urge all residents to turn around and not to drive through flooded areas, to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.
Earlier in the week, Potter County issued its own disaster declaration for northwest and north portions of the county, including the Valle De Oro community and the surrounding area and all areas of the Canadian River basin up to Lake Meredith.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Randall County officials urge caution with more storms, flooding
