Burn Bans/Fire

Grass Fire at SH 136 and FM 1342--
The Texas A&M Forest Service has reported that the wildfire in Potter County is now 100% contained. There was a total of 12 acres burned from the fire. The fire was located on Highway 136 between Amarillo and Fritch.
My High Plains, Audrey Roberson, March 3, 2018

Here’s why there’s a ‘near-critical threat’ for grass fires around Fort Worth--
North Texas residents are observing a fire threat not usually experienced until a hot and dry summer is in place. The National Weather Service has raised much of the region from elevated to a near-critical fire threat. Three significant criteria have been meet to raise the threat including strong and gusty winds, low humidity, and sufficient vegetation dryness.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Stephen English, March 15, 2018

Childress fire at 200 acres, 90 percent containment--
There are several fires in the Texas Panhandle that firefighters are scrambling to combat. Several of the fires are very nearly completely contained, including the 2888 Fire and the Bird Elevator Fire. Residents in Follet, Texas were evacuated, but have since returned home after the fire was completely contained.
KFDA, Staff Writer, March 15, 2018

Forecasters warn of fires, crop damage across Texas, High Plains--
The total amount of moisture received across the southern high plains has been notably low since October. Forecasters are warning that these conditions have lead to an increase in critical fire danger for several areas across the state. According to the State of Texas Climatologist, some areas have received less than 0.1 inch of rain over the past few months. This sparse total combined with above normal temperatures and strong winds have led to wildfire ignition.
KXAS, Susan Montoya Bryan, March 16, 2018

UPDATE: Gusty winds, dry air have forecasters on alert for wildfires--
Fire weather threat levels have now reached critical levels throughout areas of Central Texas. A red flag warning has been issued by the National Weather Services that will remain in effect until the evening hours of Monday. The National Weather Service reported that relative humidity dropped below 15 percent along the Interstate 35 corridor with sustained winds above 15 mph and gusts in the mid to upper 20s.
Austin American-Statesman, Roberto Villalpando, March 19, 2018

Some area grass fires still burning--
Wildfires continue to burn Friday and Saturday in the Texas Panhandle as fire fighters fought to battle the blazes. Dry conditions, warm temperatures, and brisk winds are providing the ingredients for fire ignition. Other fires have also formed in some regions in eastern Texas.
CBS10, Staff Writer, March 23, 2018

Northeast Lubbock fire takes 2 homes--
Dry conditions that lead to fire near Lubbock destroyed two homes Saturday evening. The Texas A&M Forest Service reported that 13 homes were threatened by the fire. The fire burned through the night hours before being 100 percent contained as of Sunday morning.
KCBD, Michael Cantu, March 24, 2018

Drought

Monthly Change in Drought Monitor Classification

Winter Rain Nearly Erases North Texas Drought--
Updates of the Texas drought map released by NOAA show that heavy rains in the DFW and other parts of north Texas have observed significant improvements to drought conditions over the past week. DFW saw a complete removal of drought after experiencing the wettest season on record. North Texas may backtrack to dry or drought conditions in the future as little to no precipitation amounts are forecasted in the next 10 days.
NBC DFW5, Samantha Davies, March 1, 2018

Recent rains help planting conditions, but drought persists in some areas--
Measurable rainfall amounts throughout some parts of Texas have allowed for prime conditions for spring crop planting, while others are still experiencing extensive drought. The planting season in 2018 appears to be slightly later than usual, though it is primarily due to the fact that planting began in during the early warm temperature periods. Moisture in north Texas regions should help planting more acres of cotton than in 2017.
The High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal, Adam Russell, March 3, 2018

Texas crop and weather report--
Reduced wheat yield is expected this season as crops come out of dormancy across the state. Total wheat acreage increased in the High Plains and Rolling Plains, with even better conditions in the Blacklans. One of the biggest concerns for crop yield in some areas is the sporadic nature of rain that fell in northern and western regions of the state.
Texas A&M AgriLife, Kay Ledbetter, March 6, 2018

Texas Panhandle to remain dry, extreme drought conditions exist throughout weekend--
The High Plains and South Plains are still dry with extreme drought conditions. Unfortunately, the area is expected to remain dry through the weekend. High temperatures Friday were about 10 degrees above normal, according to the National Weather Service. The Texas A&M Forest Service is currently keeping a watch on the fire danger in the Panhandle and is cooperating with local fire departments and the weather service.
Amarillo Globe-News, Erica Pauda, March 9, 2018

Stripe rust outlook for 2018--
Weather conditions in Texas can play a critical role in the development of regional outbreaks of stripe rust. Although the wheat in Texas is actively growing this time of year, outbreaks of stripe rust in Texas during February set the stage for the disease to move north into other growing regions. Wet conditions in key wheat-producing regions of Central Texas often increase the risk of regional outbreaks of stripe rust. Dry conditions in this region may suppress the risk of outbreaks.
FarmTalk Newspaper, Erick DeWolf, March 12, 2018

Rain chances in Austin slim this weekend as area weathers dry year--
Chances for rain will remain for the coming weekend as strong storms stay north of the area. Overall, the month of March has been relatively dry for the region as represented by the persistence of moderate drought. The low amounts of rainfall this month has not hindered wildflower growth and blossoming which is beginning to be seen throughout the area.
Austin American-Statesman, Mary Huber, March 15, 2018

Texas crop and weather report-- March 20--
Frost threats has disappeared for much of the state as we now entering the spring season. Planting activity has increased as a result with growers and gardeners continuing to plant peas, broccoli, and cabbage while beginning warm season crops such as beans, tomatoes, and eggplants. Officials with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension are recommending that growers utilize only one application of starter fertilizer this season.
Texas A&M AgriLife Today, Adam Russell, March 20, 2018

Agriculture/Livestock 

Stripe rust outlook for 2018--
Weather conditions in Texas can play a critical role in the development of regional outbreaks of stripe rust. Although the wheat in Texas is actively growing this time of year, outbreaks of stripe rust in Texas during February set the stage for the disease to move north into other growing regions. Wet conditions in key wheat-producing regions of Central Texas often increase the risk of regional outbreaks of stripe rust. Dry conditions in this region may suppress the risk of outbreaks.
FarmTalk Newspaper, Erick DeWolf, March 12, 2018

Weather has flowers on track to bloom--
According to the director of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, travelers along Texas highways will soon be able to see the recognizable Texas spring wildflowers. Cold weather and some notable rain events in parts of Texas throughout the fall and winter should provide a beautiful mosaic of wildflowers this spring.
Seguin Gazette, Valerie Bustamante, March 14, 2018

Feedyards advised to begin pen surface cleaning now due to dry weather--
An official with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has advised managers of feedyards to begin the process of manure harvesting and dust mitigation earlier than usual. Due to the incredible dry conditions this season, it is important to maintain practical minimum manure on the feedyard surface. There has been no opportunity for cattle to compact pen surfaces due to the lack of moisture, notably in Panhandle regions like Amarillo where the last significant rainfall event was mid-October.
Texas A&M AgriLife Today, Kay Ledbetter, March 22, 2018

Great Gardening - Central Texas: Hardy Texas mountain laurel is a fragrant sign of spring--
The beginning of spring in Central Texas is signified by the blooming of the Texas mountain laurel. Texas mountain laurel has a smell like that of grape Kool-Aid or grape chewing gum, as described by the Bell County Master Gardener. The fragrance and appearance of the mountain laurel will attract insects and humans alike, though consumption of seeds should be avoided as they are highly poisonous.
Temple Daily Telegram, Pat Johnson, March 25, 2018

Researchers investigate if Hurricane Harvey helped fire ants spread in Texas--
Rice University scientists are currently studying the effects Hurricane Harvey had on insect population and behaviors in southeast Texas. Fire ants are an invasive species throughout the south and previous studies have shown that these types of species thrive in ecosystem that are recently damaged. As the warm season begins to peak, the scientists will be able to see just how significant the population changes were as the fire ants emerge.
UPI, Brooks Hays, March 26, 2018

Significant Weather

Rainfall/Flooding

Warm Weather

Sunny and dry. Highs in the mid to upper 60s--
Eastern Texas residents will enjoy sunny, mild, and calm conditions at the end of their work week with highs in the mid to upper 60s. High pressure is developing in the area and should maintain the mild conditions throughout the day. Saturday will be mostly the same with clear and sunny skies, though the Storm Prediction Center has the area under a Marginal Risk, suggesting some chances of scattered or strong storms.
KLTV, Jessica Faith, March 2, 2018

Sunday to be warm, cloudy, possibly damp--
Chances of rain are returning to the forecast this weekend with a 30 percent chance of scattered showers or drizzles, according to the National Weather Service. Foggy conditions are expected to continue throughout the morning. Strong storms may develop during the night as a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms is forecasted.
Austin-Statesman, Taylor Goldenstein, March 4, 2018

Forecast: Sunshine with Austin temps as warm as 72 for Texas primaries--
Texas citizens can expect very enjoyable weather as they head to the polls to cast their ballots in the Texas Primary elections. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures should be in the lower 70s with mostly clear skies and sunshine. Around the time of poll closings it can be expected that sky cloudiness will increase and temperatures will decrease into the lower 60s.
Austin American-Statesman, Roberto Villalpando, March 6, 2018

Texas A&M expert: Monarch butterflies down this year-- again--
An expert of monarch butterflies at Texas A&M University has confirmed that monarch butterfly numbers are down yet again this year. The decrease in the monarch butterfly population follows a trend that has been observed over the past decade. Researchers at the USFA Future Scientists Program attribute the low numbers to cold weather conditions and some winter storms.
Bryan-College Station Eagle, Keith Randall, March 7, 2018

Thursday’s wake-up weather, March 8th, 2018: Partly sunny and breezy--
Conditions Thursday morning will be breezy and cool, with south winds at 5-15 mph and gusts upwards of 25 mph. As clouds clear and the sun comes out, temperatures should increase into the upper 60s to lower 70s. There is some risk of fire danger throughout west Texas with the warm and extremely dry conditions expected.
KTAB, Noel Rehm, March 8, 2018

KSAT Weather: Cloudy Friday, unseasonably warm Saturday--
An active weather pattern in the San Antonio area will bring a mixture of different weather conditions over the next few days. Friday will be mostly cloudy and humid with a high only in the upper 60s and lower 70s. Conditions will be much warmer on Saturday with as westerly winds bring warmth and clear out skies, allowing for highs to creep into the upper 80s with some isolated areas of the lower 90s.
KSAT, Cole Vaughn, March 8, 2018

Saturday ‘best day for beach weather,’ according to NWS meteorologist--
Temperatures will rise into the 90s on Saturday, and the warm temperatures will last through the day before an overnight cold front cools the high temperatures into the low 70s. Despite the dry heat, Saturday will be the best day to go outdoors and head to the beach or go tubing.
San Antonio Express-News, Kelsey Bradshaw, March 9, 2018

As temperatures climb, it’s snake season again in Central Texas--
Springtime in Central Texas is peak snake season. As the temperature warms up after winter, the snakes come out to eat and breed, which is why there are more snake sightings in the spring. According to a local snake expert, the best thing to do after a snake bite is to sit or lie down, keep the bitten part of the body lower than the heart, and get to a hospital as soon as possible.
Austin American-Statesman, London Gibson, March 11, 2018

Spring Break weather looks good for anglers and sunbathers--
Morning temperature this week should be relatively cool near Galveston Bay. Sunshine and mostly clear skies should dominate the forecast during the afternoon hours. The return of tides to normal, and the impending Spring Equinox should invigorate shallow lakes and provide ideal conditions for fishers and those looking towards basking in the sun.
The Bay City Tribune, Bink Grimes, March 13, 2018

Dry skin? Blame the dew point temperatures in North Texas--
The North Texas region has been noticeably dry the past couple of days. This was very evident in the dew point temperatures observed throughout the metroplex with values in the upper teens. The dryness was also felt by residents who experienced dry lips and skin.
KXAS, Rick Mitchell, March 14, 2018

Wednesday’s Weather: Mostly sunny and mild. Highs in the mid 60s--
East Texas experienced another cool start to the day, before clear skies give way to sunshine and warmer temperatures. Southwestern flow will be the main direction of winds which will keep conditions from getting too dry. The coming weekend should be warm ahead of a cold front that will make its way into the region and increase rain chances.
KLTV, Jessica Faith, March 14, 2018

Weekend to bring good tubing, beach weather to S.A. and the Texas coast--
This spring break weekend should provide ideal conditions for outside activities in San Antonio and the Texas coast. The forecast calls for highs in the upper 80s this weekend. There is a small chance of rain on Saturday and Sunday during the morning when clouds hang over the area.
San Antonio Express-News, Fares Sabawi, March 16, 2018

KSAT Weather: Humid spell setting up in South Texas--
Humidity and temperature changes will be the main stories for South Texas weather patterns in the coming days. With the increase in moisture there is expected to be an increase in cloud coverage, though not enough to hamper sun from peaking through. As the pattern continues throughout the week, rain chance probabilities will continue to rise.
KSAT, Cole Vaughn, March 21, 2018

Muggy & Warm Weekend, Rain Returns Soon--
High humidity, dense fog, drizzle, and mist were very prevalent in the San Antonio area on Sunday. Low clouds are expected to burn off later in the afternoon with a significant increase in temperatures. A dryline hanging over west Texas has the possibility of setting up some severe storms including strong winds, heavy rains, and hail on Monday.
Spectrum News, Staff Writer, March 24, 2018

KSAT Weather: Easter weekend and NCAA Finals forecast--
After the passage of this week’s severe weather, the San Antonio area can expect to experience more mild conditions going into the weekend. Mornings will consist of mostly clear skies and temperatures in the upper 50s to lower 60s before creeping into the lower and mid 80s. Easter will be another clear and warm day with very dry conditions.
KSAT, Cole Vaughn, March 29, 2018

Warmer weather is here… so are mosquitos--
The recent warm weather has brought an influx of mosquitoes around the state. Sherman will start to treat its water sources next week for the little pests. At the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, they rely on nature to get rid of mosquitoes instead of using chemicals or sprays. The biggest fear with mosquitoes is the harmful diseases they can carry. In general, people can avoid mosquitoes by going inside at dusk and dawn and by wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants.
KTEN, Amelia Mugavero, March 30, 2018

Cool Weather

Cool weather staying with us until the weekend--
Laredo and other regions of southern Texas are beginning to warm up after the cold front that passed Wednesday. It’ll be mostly warm for the rest of the work week with sunny skies. By the weekend, temperature will increase significantly into the upper 80s and lower 90s.
KGNS, Staff Writer, March 7, 2018

Chilly temps return to North Texas: Here’s what to expect this week--
Northerly winds of 30 to 40 mph have been observed in North Texas, and the windy conditions are expected to continue through the day. After Saturday’s heat, the cooler temperature’s from the cold front will be welcomed. Monday morning’s temperatures will be in the 30s and 40s, but the 70s will return on Thursdays and 80s on Friday. Scattered showers are possible next Saturday and Sunday, but chances are low.
WFAA, Kyle Roberts, March 11, 2018

Monday’s wake-up weather: cool and sunny--
Monday morning will start off chilly in the Big Country, and winds will be relatively light out of the northeast. The afternoon will be sunny and pleasant with temperatures near 60. In the evening, West Central Texas will cool down to the upper 30s.
KTAB, Noel Rehm, March 12, 2018

Wednesday’s weather: Chilly start this morning with sunny skies and highs near 70 degrees by afternoon--
A cold and breezy day will start the morning before the sun rises in east Texas. By the afternoon, there will be a noticeable warming up of conditions with highs in the upper 60s and lower 70s. Showers and thunderstorms could pose a threat on Friday evening with tapering chances during the weekend.
KLTV, Cody Gottschalk, March 21, 2018

Hot humid weather will return--
Southeasterly winds in Laredo are allowing for a very dry airmass to exit towards the east. As the air mass passes through, high pressure will build into the area along with warm temperatures. Saturday and Sunday will be very warm with highs in the upper 90s.  
KGNS, Richard Berler, March 21, 2018

One more day of bearable weather before we head into the weekend--
Cool and warm weather have been the main conditions for the past couple of days in Laredo. Most days have begun around 50 and 60 in the early morning before warming up to the upper 80s in the afternoon. This weekend, forecasters are expecting a significant warming trend where afternoon temperatures could creep into the mid- to upper-90s with the possibility of seeing near 100 degrees.
KGNS, Staff Writer, March 22, 2018

Severe Weather

Severe weather season about to start in West Texas--
The city of Abilene participated in a citywide tornado drill on Wednesday in preparation for the approaching severe weather season. Meteorologists at the San Angelo Weather Forecast Office are urging other cities and residents to also have practice drills so that the short time allotted in severe weather situations is well understood. Severe weather season in west Texas usually lasts until June with tornadoes, if any, classified as EF0 and EF1.
KTXS, Olivia DiVenti, March 7, 2018

Allstate ranks Midland County third stormiest county in Texas--
Allstate released a list of stormiest counties in Texas over the past 10 years, ranking Midland County third. Collin and Denton counties were ranked first and second, respectively. The list ranked counties by the highest frequency of wind and hail related property damage claims over the past 10 years. The fourth spot went to El Paso, and Lubbock took 12.
Odessa American, Staff Writer, March 11, 2018

2 killed, several hurt as strong winds topple trees in Texas--
Two people were killed and several were injured as strong winds toppled trees and powerlines in East Texas. According to the National Weather Service, winds of 80 mph were reported over the weekend, along with hail the size of baseballs. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office says a 40 year old woman was killed and her husband was seriously injured when a tree fell on the family’s tent Saturday evening at a campground in Jefferson, about 160 miles east of Dallas.
KFDA, Staff Writer, March 12, 2018

Parts of North Texas under Severe Thunderstorm Watch--
A stationary boundary and an area of low pressure will help create severe thunderstorms this afternoon through midnight tonight. The greatest threat in Dallas-Fort Worth will be between 5 and 9 pm. Large hail and damaging winds will be the biggest danger, but a brief tornado or two cannot be ruled out. The area will be fairly quiet once the storms move out of the area tonight.
KXAS, Staff Writer, March 17, 2018

Hail, tornadoes in the forecast for parts of SE Texas--
Large hail and isolated tornadoes could hit parts of southeast Texas this weekend, according to the National Weather Service. Strong storms could include hail and isolated tornadoes mostly north of Bryan to Livingston. Madison and Houston counties received a severe thunderstorm watch through 11 pm. The system will be fast moving so flooding is not expected in the Houston area.
Houston Chronicle, Jose R. Gonzalez, March 17, 2018

Texas Food Truck Showdown shutting down early--
The potential for severe weather forced the Texas Food Truck Showdown to shut down early Saturday. The decision was made by the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce around 4 pm to close the event out of concern for the safety of visitors. The showdown will officially end at 5 pm, and event staff urge caution as attendees leave the area.
KWTX, Matthey Ablon, March 17, 2018

Storms could bring baseball-sized hail to Dallas-Fort Worth on Sunday--
Forecasts for Sunday include showers and potentially severe storms in North Texas in the afternoon and evening. Storms will develop northeast of the Dallas-Fort Worth area and move east through the evening. Most people will not see any activity, but the greatest chance for storms will be after 2 pm on Sunday.
Dallas Morning News, Dana Branham, March 18, 2018

Storm threat diminishing in North Texas--
There is the possibility of some severe storms developing through the evening. There is a Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect until 11 pm for the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Most areas won’t see rain, but those that do could see large hail and damaging winds as well.
KXAS, Staff Writer, March 18, 2018

Storms dump rain and hail on counties north of Houston--
The National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for several southeast Texas counties until 11 pm Sunday night. The primary threat from the storms are large hail, damaging wind gusts, and isolated tornadoes. The Walker County Office of Emergency Management said it has opened a shelter for those taking cover from the storm.
KTRK, Staff Writer, March 18, 2018

Preparing your Property for Severe Weather--
The Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) is sending representatives to areas throughout west Texas to educate homeowners on tips for keeping their homes protected during the severe weather season. It is advised that residents check on insurance coverage packages that are needed for filing effective claims. The ICT is also offering the advice of taking photos and videos of storm damage to keep as a record, contact insurance agent immediately after an incident, and avoiding contractors that can take advantage of a homeowner’s loss.
Big Country, Adam Singleton, March 23, 2018

Excessive heavy rainfall and strong storms possible this week--
Rainfall totals in East Texas are forecast to be in a range of 2-4 inches with isolated areas receiving 3-6+ inches later this week. Thunderstorms are expected to develop west of the region ahead of a cold front with the strongest system reaching our area on Wednesday. The Storm Prediction Center has placed the region in a slight severe weather risk (level 2 of 5). The main concerns will be the possibility of large hail and damaging winds.
KSLA News, James Parish, March 24, 2018

NWS confirms tornado touchdown Wednesday morning in Caldwell Co.--
The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-0 tornado touched down for two minutes in Caldwell County on Wednesday morning. A Tornado Warning was issued due to radar-indicated rotation on the leading edge of a line of thunderstorms that morning. The tornado was on the ground for 1.2 miles, had maximum wind speeds of 80 mph, and was 50 yards wide. There was wind damage to some trees along a county road and some roof damage was reported. This is the first confirmed tornado in Central Texas in 2018.
KXAN, Rosie Newberry, March 31, 2018

Rain and storms look likely Tuesday Night--
A cold front will move through Southeast Texas on Tuesday evening, bringing rain and thunderstorms to the area. There is a slight chance for severe weather along with the front. Wednesday and Thursday will be dry with slightly cooler temperatures. There will be another chance for rain Friday and Saturday, but the weather should clear up by Sunday.
KBMT, Staff Writer, March 31, 2018

Other Climate Impacts

Economics/Technology

Houston Spends $2M on High Water Rescue Gear After Harvey--
The Houston City Council has approved funds granting the Houston Fire Department $2 million to buy 20 more boats and high-water rescue vehicles. The move is in response to the damaging effects of Hurricane Harvey as a means of providing more tools available in supporting resident rescue. Funding will also cover the trucks and trailers need to haul the water rescue vehicles and other gear.
Associated Press, Staff Writer, March 1, 2018

FEMA radically underestimated how vulnerable Americans are to flooding--
A new paper published in Environmental Research has suggested that Americans are currently at a greater risk to flooding than official estimates have revealed. The paper has also put forth that risk maps developed by FEMA are aggregates of local maps that are of poor coverage and various quality, thus reducing estimate accuracy. Authors of the publication have found that aggregating maps using weather, water, population, and building density datasets from various government sources provides a more accurate depiction of disaster risks. It is revealed from analysis of these maps, nearly 3 times of the FEMA estimate is vulnerable to a 1 in 100 year flood disaster that could cause roughly $3 trillion dollars in damage.
Vox, David Roberts, March 2, 2018

Some Texas concerned about zoning changes after Harvey--
Homeowners in southeast Texas are currently are raising concerning for zoning changes after Hurricane Harvey. The zone designation change would be from residential to commercial as some businesses could buy the flood-damaged homes and absorb old neighborhoods. The Dickinson, Texas mayor does not believe that a significant zoning change would occur, though the city council voted unanimously on Tuesday for a change of two residential properties to commercial areas.
The Associated Press, Staff Writer, March 3, 2018

Gas prices start warm-weather surge--
As we begin our transition to spring, gas prices are beginning to rise. Petroleum analysts have suggested that there is a chance gas price increases won’t relax until a gallon of regular unleaded reaches near $2.50 on average. The inflation of gas prices is due primarily to refinery maintenance and increased fuel demand.
Waco Tribune-Herald, Mike Copeland, March 22, 2018

Hurricane Harvey’s toxic impact deep than public told--
Though it has now been nearly 6 months since the disastrous passage of Hurricane Harvey, scientists are just now beginning to understand the extent of the environmental impacts from the storm. It is being reported that nearly half a billion gallons of industrial wastewater has mixed with storm surge in Baytown. Several human carcinogens, including benzene, butadiene, and vinyl chloride were among the chemicals involved in the toxic spills.
Associated Press, Staff Writer, March 23, 2018

FEMA helps rebuild after Hurricane Harvey, offers tips--
Mitigation specialists at FEMA are working to provide free information, including tips and literature on making homes stronger and safer during intense and severe storms. The information will help in providing techniques that will help to build hazard-resistant homes to reduce damage from future disasters like Hurricane Harvey. Specialists will be available in Aransas Pass beginning Monday and ending Saturday during normal business day hours at McCoy’s Building Supply.
KRISTV, Staff Writer, March 25, 2018

Hurricane Maria took their home; Texas gave them a new one--
U.S. citizens from Puerto Rico are beginning to find their home in Texas after the natural disaster that was Hurricane Maria. One family located to Tarrant County two and a half months after the storm left nearly the whole population without power. It is now half a year later and some parts of the island remain without electricity and other basic services.
Star-Telegram, Hanaa’ Tameez, March 26, 2018

Underground Tunnels Proposed for Houston Flooding--
Officials within the Harris County Flood District are considering a proposal to build tunnels across the area that would drain floodwaters from bayous. The main mission of the underground system is to deter the relatively frequent flooding events that occur in the region. Spokespersons for the Flood District believe the project has the possibility to be funded by FEMA grants and other federal sources.
Associated Press, Staff Writer, March 26, 2018

Huntnig & Fishing

Outdoors: If you don’t like the Texas weather…--
White bass have been hit or miss on Lake Waco’s feeder streams over the past week, and although water temperature is conducive to females moving upstream, there has not been enough rain to force them upstream to lay eggs. This year’s 47th annual Waco Bass Crappie tournament  will be held on April 14th, weather permitting.
Waco Tribune-Herald, Todd Nafe, March 10, 2018

Recreation/Leisure/Athletics

Holi celebration brings splash of color to campus--
Students came together at Simpson Drill Field to celebrate the Hindu spring festival of colors, known as “Holi”. A short rain shower persisted just before the start of the festival but did not stop the celebration. The event, filled with colored paint, Indian snacks, and music was hosted by the Indian Graduate Student Association, India Association, and Hindu Students Association.
The Battalion, Jordan Burnham, March 4, 2018

From Texas to California, puppies seek new homes in wake of Hurricane Harvey--
As southeast Texas continues its recovery from the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, dozens of puppies are arriving to the Southern Californian for adoption. The adoption effort is being lead by Operations Pets Alive in Carlsbad, California. Employees at the Helen Woodward Animal Center are hoping that this effort allows for more puppies to be adopted than the uncertainty posed in Houston.
KTVU, Staff Writer, March 5, 2018

Officials say water on Galveston Island beaches is clean--
The Galveston County Health Department is currently monitoring bacteria levels at nearby beaches. Some areas on Friday morning were placed under advisory for high levels of fecal bacteria. Fecal bacteria is present in varying amounts along the Gulf Coast, including Corpus Christi.
KHOU, Jessica Borg, March 9, 2018

Ranger says park to remain closed indefinitely after straight-line winds cause fatality, damage--
Severe storms that produced golf ball-sized hail in East Texas on Saturday night left two people dead in their wake. According to a National Weather Service survey team, although there was no tornado, straight-line winds from 80-90 mph caused trees in saturated ground to topple over onto a mobile home, killing one of the residents. Another death occurred at the Bushy Creek campground due to heavy rain and falling debris.
KLTV, Staff Writer, March 11, 2018

Too wet to play: Rangers spring finale canceled--
The Texas Rangers were forced to cancel their exhibition match against the Cincinnati Reds after heavy rains left the park grounds too wet to play. The decision was made at 9:30 Tuesday morning after rains began to fall at Globe Life Park. Fans were able to exchange their tickets as long as availability allowed for the 2018 season, with the exception of Opening Day.
Star Telegram, Jeff Wilson, March 27, 2018