A Texas lake is currently more than 20 feet over its usual water levels after a week of heavy rain.
The City of Waco said in a statement that Lake Waco, in McLennan County, Texas, is currently so full that it is flooding certain areas, including the Flat Rock Boat Ramp.
This has forced water to be released from the Waco Dam, which feeds into the Brazos River, local news outlet KWTX reported.
"Take a look at this additional flooding near Lake Waco and Flat Rock Boat Ramp," the City of Waco said on Facebook, sharing a video of the overflowing lake. "Lake Waco levels are currently at 482.42 feet - that's 20.42 feet over normal levels! Please drive cautiously in that area while we wait for waters to recede and remember - 'turn around, don't drown.' Stay safe out there, Waco!"
The lake is 100 percent full, meaning any extra water that feeds into it will cause flooding. Releasing water from the dam can help prevent this.
Lake Waco is a manmade reservoir and provides water to those living in several nearby cities including Waco, Woodway, Bellmead, Hewitt, and Robinson.
Its water levels have taken a turn in recent days, with a sharp spike recorded on May 5, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported.
"The recent heavy rains are great for ducks and fish, but it can be dangerous for people to explore," an additional update on Lake Waco said on the City of Waco's website. "Water levels at the Wetlands are too high for visitors. When the water recedes, the Wetlands will still be awesome, so wait until it's safe to visit."
Lake Waco gets its water from the Bosque River, which runs 115 miles across central Texas. Its flows largely depend on the amount of precipitation seen in the state.
These high water levels are particularly welcome as much of Texas has been in the grips of a drought in recent years. Although the central part of the state is not seeing the worst of these dry conditions, climate change is making precipitation unpredictable.
Dry conditions over the last few years have caused reservoirs like Lake Waco to drop significantly.
The lake is not the only body of water benefiting from the recent rainfall. Lake Whitney, a flood control reservoir on the Brazos River, has risen by 5 feet in the last week, according to KWTX weather forecasters. Belton Lake on the Leon River is also at full capacity after the heavy rainfall, Water Data for Texas reports.
More rain is expected in central Texas in the next few days. The region is experiencing a cold front that will likely cause several bad storms. The National Weather Service reports that large hail will be possible in central areas of the state, with damaging winds exceeding 60 miles per hour. It remains to be seen how much water levels will continue to rise after these storms.
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Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Robyn White is a Newsweek Nature Reporter based in London, UK. Her focus is reporting on wildlife, science and the ... Read more
