ALICE, Texas — The National Weather Service is currently predicting that Alice and the surrounding areas will have a 50% chance of rainfall tonight, followed by several days of thunderstorms.
This potential rain comes after the county recovers from the hot and dry weather that has plagued the region with wildfires and drought. While it’s true that the region needs this predicted rainfall, the National Weather Service has also issued a Flood Watch from March 26, through March 28, so residents are urged to travel safely and stay up-to-date on all weather alerts.
While it does not typically flood in Alice, it was also true that the region has not typically had to deal with extreme heat and wildfires this early into the season, so it would be best to over-prepare than to not prepare at all.
Sandbags, landscaping, and gutters can go a long way to protecting your home from rising waters. Gutters can guide the water runoff downstream while the sandbags can hold back water at the entrance to your home.
It’s also true that certain types of native plants can help with flood management. Several Texas natives like Gulf Coast muhly, buttonbush shrubs, and bald cypress trees are just some of the plants that can help reduce the risk of flooding by absorbing excess water, stabilizing the soil, and reducing erosion. Some plants like buffalo grass even have the added benefit of being drought resistant during the warmer parts of the year.
Bouteloua dactyloides with seed heads photographed in Carter County, Montana, US. Photo by Patrick Alexander.
When we implement these strategies at our homes and businesses, they can significantly reduce the impact of extreme weather events.