The National Weather Service office in Midland/Odessa, Texas has issued a Flash Flood Warning effective this afternoon, October 14, from 3:33 PM CDT until 5:15 PM CDT. The warning covers six areas in two states: Pecos and Ward counties in West Texas, and Athens, Morgan, Perry, and Washington counties in southeast Ohio.
A Flash Flood Warning means flooding is already happening or is imminent — this is a step above a watch. Heavy rain falling faster than the ground can absorb it can quickly fill low-lying areas, small streams, and drainage ditches, and can send water across roads with little notice.
Residents in the warned areas may notice rapidly rising water in creeks and arroyos, water pooling on roadways, and reduced visibility in heavy downpours. In West Texas, dry washes and low-water crossings can flood in minutes even when rain seems moderate. In the Ohio counties, hilly terrain can funnel runoff into valleys and small streams, which rise quickly.
What to do right now
First, if you encounter a flooded road, turn around — never drive or walk through moving water. As little as six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and about a foot can carry away a vehicle. Second, move to higher ground if you are near a creek, stream, or low-lying area, and avoid basements or underpasses that could fill with water. Third, keep a phone charged and weather alerts enabled, since the warning could be extended or additional warnings issued if heavy rain persists past 5:15 PM CDT.
If you have travel plans through these counties this afternoon, consider delaying until the warning expires and water recedes. Check on neighbors or family members in flood-prone spots, and keep children and pets away from drainage channels and flooded areas.
This information comes directly from the National Weather Service (NOAA) warning issued by the NWS Midland/Odessa office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right now if I'm in one of the warned counties?
Avoid driving through any water-covered road — turn around and find another route. If you live near a creek, arroyo, or low-lying area, move to higher ground and monitor local alerts until the warning expires at 5:15 PM CDT.
How long will this flash flood threat last?
The current warning runs until 5:15 PM CDT on October 14, but it can be extended or reissued if heavy rain continues. Keep weather alerts turned on this evening in case conditions change.
Is it safe to drive through a flooded road if the water looks shallow?
No. Moving water just six inches deep can sweep a person off their feet, and about a foot of water can carry away most vehicles. The road surface underneath may also be washed out and invisible.
Why are Texas and Ohio counties listed in the same warning?
The alert feed grouped several active warnings together; they are separate storm systems affecting different regions. Only the specific counties named — Pecos and Ward in Texas, and Athens, Morgan, Perry, and Washington in Ohio — are under this warning.
Keep tracking this:
Source: National Weather Service (NWS)
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Sky & Solar Conditions at the Time
Moon: Waxing Crescent (17% illuminated), in Sagittarius.
Notable planetary angles: Moon trine Saturn (120°), Sun sextile Jupiter (60°), Moon trine Mars (121°), Mars trine Saturn (119°).
Concurrent space weather: planetary Kp index 2.7; strongest recent solar flare: nothing notable.
This is a factual snapshot, not a claim of cause and effect – researchers are divided on whether lunar, planetary or solar factors influence seismic or weather activity. It’s included so readers can track the pattern for themselves over time.
