North Texas was experiencing a severe drought before intense thunderstorms moved in Sunday evening, causing record amounts of rainfall within a 24 hour period. The Dallas-Fort Worth airport saw 9.19 inches of rain while southeast Dallas recorded more than 15 inches of rain. The heavy rains caused floods that prompted multiple water rescues by the Dallas Fire-Rescue. Damage assessments have not been completed yet but videos recorded by flood victims show significant damage to homes and vehicles.
Scientists have also found that significant flooding and extreme rain events are more frequently following droughts than they have in the past, according to the Fourth National Climate Assessment. Both the frequency and intensity of heavy precipitation are expected to continue increasing across the southern Great Plains, which includes Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas.
CERF+ is monitoring the situation and is prepared to respond to any requests for emergency financial assistance from eligible artists who work in craft disciplines. If you are a materials-based artist or artisan impacted by the severe weather, please visit our recovery resources and submit an application for our emergency relief program. We are here for you and can help guide you through the application process.
This is a particularly stressful situation for all residents affected by this disaster. We encourage anyone personally affected to call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.
Photo from NOAA Photo Library, NOAA Central Library; OAR ERL National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL)