Record rainfall floods roads and highways, strands vehicles and disrupts travel across parts of Nebraska and Texas.
We Desk: An intense storm system has brought record-breaking rainfall to parts of Nebraska and heavy rain to Texas, causing widespread flooding, road closures and major travel disruptions across the central United States.
In Nebraska, the rainfall was particularly severe in the Lincoln and Omaha areas, where roads and waterways were overwhelmed after exceptionally heavy precipitation.
Lincoln breaks more than a century-old rainfall record
Lincoln Airport recorded 6.15 inches of rain on September 30, breaking the city’s previous daily rainfall record of 5.45 inches set in 1910.
The rainfall also pushed Lincoln’s September total to 11.49 inches, making it the city’s wettest September on record.
Other parts of southeastern Nebraska also recorded substantial rainfall. Nebraska Public Media reported more than 10 inches in northern Lancaster County, more than 8 inches in Douglas and Saunders counties and more than 7 inches in Sarpy and Washington counties.
Flooding disrupts Omaha-area travel
The heavy rain caused flash flooding across the Omaha region, with multiple roads and highways affected.
Geo News reported that Highway 370 was closed between 31st Street and JFK Freeway after Big Papillion Creek overflowed. Vehicles were also trapped by floodwater in Sarpy County. More than 3,000 customers experienced power outages in the Omaha region.
Local reporting also described people stranded by floodwater and numerous road closures across eastern Nebraska. Flood warnings remained in effect for several counties as rivers, creeks and streams continued rising.
Schools were also affected. Some districts closed or delayed classes because flooding and poor road conditions disrupted transportation routes.
Texas faces flash-flood threat
Heavy rainfall also affected parts of Texas, with flash flooding and road closures reported in North Texas.
Reported flooding on Interstate 35 in Denton County and significant disruptions at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. A flood warning remained active, while further rain was expected through Friday.
The National Weather Service had warned of significant rainfall and flash-flood potential across parts of Texas as moisture associated with the remnants of Hurricane Polo interacted with a slow-moving frontal system.
In North and Central Texas, a flood watch remained in effect across areas along and west of Interstate 35, with widespread rainfall of around 2 to 3 inches and locally higher totals possible.
Remnants of Hurricane Polo add moisture
The flooding is linked in part to a broader weather pattern involving moisture from the remnants of Hurricane Polo.
The National Hurricane Center said Polo had dissipated over northwestern Mexico, but its remnants continued producing heavy rain and gusty winds over parts of the southwestern United States.
The remnants subsequently contributed moisture to a larger storm system moving across the central United States. AP reported flooding in Texas and other parts of the Great Plains, while storms associated with Polo’s remnants also affected the Texas Panhandle.
More rain expected in parts of Texas
Weather authorities warned that rainfall could continue across parts of Texas, maintaining the risk of flash flooding.
The National Weather Service said a moderate risk of excessive rainfall remained over portions of the Southern Plains, including areas of Texas, where repeated rounds of heavy rain could produce additional flooding.
Residents in affected areas have been advised to avoid flooded roads and follow local weather warnings.
