Local rains cause no damage

Jackson County has seen an abundance of rain this spring. U.S. Geological Survey shows that since March, local river levels have peaked several times into flooding stages.

Though water levels were up, we did not see any damage, said Patrick Brzozowski, general manager at Lavaca Navidad River Authority. He said it has been a general inundation – nothing extreme.

According to the National Weather Service, Lavaca River exceeded Flood Stage with 21 feet at the end of May, but dropped back down to normal levels by June 2. The NWS Storm Prediction Center shows the worst of the rain is over and levels are expected to remain normal. The record for Lavaca River is 28 feet, exceeding Major Flood Stage, in July 2007.

June 1 marks the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season. Brozozowski says this year is expected to be mild, due largely in part to El Niño conditions. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, El Niño typically cycles every 3 to 5 years, and contributes to the wet conditions.

While fewer storms are expected to make landfall, it does not mean they will be any less deadly. Emergency evacuation routes for Jackson County can be found online at www.co.jackson.tx.us.