Flood watch issued for Kerr County through Monday as Folk Festival opens tonight

A Flood Watch is in effect for Kerr County from Friday evening through Monday evening — covering the heart of the Kerrville Folk Festival’s opening weekend — as forecasters warn of potentially life-threatening flooding from multiple rounds of heavy rain.

The National Weather Service issued the watch at 12:14 p.m. Thursday, citing rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches possible over the watch period, with isolated amounts up to 6 inches. Creeks, streams and rivers may rise out of their banks quickly. Low-water crossings may be flooded.

The immediate concern is this afternoon. A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms is in the forecast through the evening, with the southern Edwards Plateau and Hill Country most favored for development. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 1 of 5 — Marginal — risk for severe thunderstorms, with any storm capable of producing large hail up to 1 inch and damaging wind gusts. Have a way to receive warning information this afternoon.

Tonight’s forecast is more encouraging for the Folk Festival’s opening at Quiet Valley Ranch — only a 20% chance of storms before 1 a.m., with mostly cloudy skies and a low near 64. Friday also looks relatively dry as the area sits between weather systems.

The window closes Friday evening. Saturday carries an 80% chance of precipitation as a well-defined trough pushes across the region, with the heaviest rain threat expected Saturday night into Sunday. The ground is already heavily saturated after storms Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

This is the third consecutive day of significant weather alerts for Kerr County. Residents and festival-goers should monitor forecasts closely through the weekend and avoid low-water crossings if flooding develops.