Date: Mon, 14 Mar 2016 16:25:56 EDT
Summary: Significant rainfall from last week along the Texas/Louisiana border has resulted in persistent flooding in East Texas.
Rainfall amounts of 18 - 20 inches, over a 4 day period, has resulted in significant flooding in several river basins of East Texas. Basins that have experienced the most severe flooding include the Cypress, Sulphur, and Sabine Rivers. Period-of-record discharges have been exceeded at five stations.
The lower reaches of the Sabine River, downstream of Toledo Bend Reservoir, are currently experiencing record floods. This is a result of an unprecedented release of over 200,000 cfs from Toledo Bend Reservoir last week. Flood measurements are continuing to be made in support of local and state agencies, as well as the National Weather Service. Based on current NWS predictions, the City of Orange Texas will be instituting mandatory evacuations later today. Crews will be making special discharge measurements and installing a rapid-deployment gage to support emergency management personnel.