More rainfall expected through Wednesday in Wichita Falls
WICHITA FALLS, Texas – After days of intense rainfall, lake levels in the Wichita Falls area have surged dramatically, prompting growing concern over additional flooding in the coming hours.
According to a Monday update from the City of Wichita Falls, Lake Arrowhead and Lake Kickapoo are now holding a combined 88.2% of their total capacity, while Lake Kemp has reached a full 100%, signaling an end to drought-level water shortages — but opening the door to potential overflow threats.
Despite the positive status of local reservoirs, residents remain under Stage 1 drought watch. Water use restrictions are still in effect until Wichita Falls City Council votes to officially lift them.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood watch for the region that extends through Wednesday night, with projections of 1 to 3 inches of rain, and even higher localized amounts expected. These amounts could aggravate the already saturated ground, increasing the risk of flash flooding, particularly near riverbanks, spillways, and low-lying areas.
One of the most visible signs of this weather shift is the overflow at the Lake Wichita spillway, which was cascading beyond capacity on Tuesday due to the unrelenting precipitation.
As of early Monday morning, several streets in Wichita Falls had already been closed due to high water, and more closures could follow if rain continues as forecasted.
