Stormy Spring

This has been the wettest Spring in DFW for fourteen years, with over 9 inches in April and May so far. I've lost track of the number of times people have said to me that they've never known a spring so wet. It should feel like we've brought a bit of Wales with us to Texas but water has come out of the sky on a Texan scale. Warm, sometimes muggy, weather, with temperatures up in the late 20's, has been punctuated with thunder storms, lightning and tremendous downpours. Some nights have been something akin to living in the stomach of a hungry giant with the thunder rumbling constantly, and lightning flashing repeatedly like you see in films. Rivers of water have run down the streets into the six-foot wide, half foot high storm drains that are cut into the kerb, whilst the creeks, dry in the summer months, are swollen.

Last weekend saw a big storm hit north Texas with devastating tornadoes touching down in Cisco and Van on opposite sides of the metroplex. In Southlake it was windy enough to wake us, and we dashed out in to the maelstrom to get my car in the garage alongside Rob's, as golf-ball sized hail has been known to accompany these storms. Within 45 minutes the wind had all but vanished. Southlake escaped with a few trees blown down and our garden was once again covered in tree debris.

The locals are torn between complaining about the rain and relief, as the water is much needed. The last few years have seen low rainfall and a period of drought with strict water restrictions. Our nearest reservoir, Grapevine Lake, was only two thirds full this time last year but in the last month the level has risen by nearly 20 feet. The difference is spectacular; shore side picnic areas are flooded and fishermen, who were struggling to get theirs boats out on to the lake because the water level was so low, are now finding it difficult because the levels are so high. Still, I dare say it won't be long until we are baking in the Texas summer sun and the sprinklers are on again.

Texas drought maps in 2014 and 2015

Remarkable water rise in Grapevine Lake, 22nd March (left) and 12th May (right).